• Zelestra has brought its 27.5 MWdc Klevenow solar plant online, establishing its first operational renewable energy project in Germany.
• The project is expected to generate 28,700 MWh annually and avoid around 9,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
• Two additional solar projects and Zelestra’s first German battery storage project are due to enter construction in H2 2026, taking operational and construction-stage capacity above 200 MW.

Zelestra establishes operational presence in Germany

Zelestra has started full commercial operations at its 27.5 MWdc Klevenow solar plant, bringing its first German renewable energy project online.

The solar facility was awarded through Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act, or EEG, tender system. It was completed in less than six months and supported around 40 jobs during construction.

Klevenow comprises approximately 42,300 solar panels. It is expected to produce around 28,700 MWh of renewable electricity each year.

That generation is projected to avoid about 9,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The electricity will also help serve commercial and industrial demand in the nearby Pomeranian Triangle.

The project gives Zelestra an operational foothold in one of Europe’s largest renewable energy markets. Germany continues to expand solar and storage capacity as it works to decarbonize its electricity system while managing growing power demand.

More than 200 MW moving toward operation and construction

Zelestra is already preparing its next phase of German development.

The company expects two additional solar projects and its first battery energy storage system project in Germany to enter construction during the second half of 2026. Once those projects advance, Zelestra expects to have more than 200 MW either operating or under construction in the country.

Mathias Kuenicke, CEO Germany at Zelestra, said: “Bringing Klevenow into operation is an important milestone for Zelestra in Germany. It demonstrates our ability to move quickly from development into construction and operations, while building a strong platform for further growth. With two additional solar projects and our first German BESS project expected to start construction in the coming months, we are on track to grow our capacity in the country to more than 200 MW.”

“I would like to thank the entire team for delivering this project on schedule and helping establish Zelestra’s operational presence in Germany.”

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The addition of battery storage is particularly relevant for Germany’s evolving power market. Greater renewable generation increases the need for flexible assets that can shift electricity across different periods and help balance the grid.

For developers, hybrid portfolios combining solar, wind and storage can also create more options for commercial structures and customer supply arrangements.

German pipeline exceeds 2 GW

Klevenow forms part of a broader expansion strategy that accelerated after Zelestra acquired East Energy in October 2024.

Since the acquisition, the company has progressed from development into construction and operations. Its German pipeline now exceeds 2 GW across solar, hybrid, wind and battery storage projects.

Zelestra currently employs 70 people in Germany. The company operates offices in Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Rostock.

For investors and corporate energy buyers, the next phase will be defined by execution. Renewable developers across Germany are navigating grid constraints, permitting requirements, equipment costs and increasingly complex revenue models.

Projects that secure auction support while integrating storage could become more valuable as renewable penetration grows.

Klevenow also reflects the continuing role of Germany’s EEG tender framework in bringing utility-scale renewable capacity to market. Competitive auctions provide developers with policy-backed routes to deployment while supporting national energy and climate targets.

Zelestra’s move from its first operating German asset toward a multi-technology portfolio places the company within that broader transition. With more than 2 GW in its pipeline, its ability to convert planned capacity into operating projects will determine the scale of its German position.