Solar energy for the University of Göttingen

open-space photovoltaic plant Deppoldshausen

In order to switch the University of Göttingen's energy supply to renewable energies, the university is planning to construct a large open-space photovoltaic plant in Deppoldshausen together with Stadtwerke Göttingen AG and the Klosterkammer Hannover. The plant with a capacity of around 34 megawatts peak (MWp) is to be built on an area of around 56 hectares, which is currently managed by the university's own experimental farm. This corresponds to around a quarter of the foundation's electricity requirements and could save around 13,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year compared to the current electricity mix.
In addition to energy production, the project offers a unique basis for a wide range of research projects. The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences is planning to conduct accompanying studies on crop cultivation, animal farming and technical aspects such as machine utilisation and sensor technology. The effects on the soil, for example through compression and erosion, are also to be investigated. For this purpose, various module layouts with different heights and spacings - including fence systems, trackers and levellers - will be compared. In addition, research work from the fields of geosciences, biology and psychology will be made possible, for example on the social acceptance of such systems.
On 5 November 2024, the Weende local council approved the necessary changes to the land use plan and the new development plan. The plan has been on public display since 4 December 2024. The plant is scheduled to be completed in 2026.
With the realisation of the photovoltaic system, the University of Göttingen has reached an important milestone in its energy and climate strategy and is taking a further step towards climate neutrality.

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