Industrial expansion underway in Sonneberg: New, extensive industrial zone being constructed
In the heart of Thuringia, Germany, the city of Sonneberg is making significant strides in its industrial development. By the end of 2026, a 12-hectare plot in the expanding industrial zone will be ready, marking the first phase of an 80-hectare project.
Sonneberg is emphasizing its excellent connectivity via the A73 and A9 motorways, making it an attractive location for businesses. The industrial zone is being developed in phases, with the initial focus on wind power repowering and expansion.
The city is particularly interested in attracting companies involved in hydrogen technology. This interest is reflected in the key cooperative project centered on renewable energy and hydrogen production, which is a significant investment in hydrogen technology and infrastructure.
The Sonnenberg V wind farm project, developed jointly by ENERTRAG SE and EBERT Erneuerbare Energien, is a major renewable energy initiative that embodies regional cooperation to advance wind power capacity and the energy transition in Saxony-Anhalt. This project represents one of Germany’s largest repowering efforts in wind energy, indicating a modern approach to scaling renewable infrastructure.
Linked closely to the hydrogen economy, ENERTRAG also signed an agreement in July 2025 to develop a 130 MW hydrogen production facility near Prenzlau. This plant will produce up to 12,500 tonnes of green hydrogen annually from 100% renewable electricity and feed it into existing hydrogen pipeline infrastructure. The connection to Sonneberg’s renewable infrastructure projects highlights a trend within the region of integrating wind energy with hydrogen production to promote green hydrogen investments and infrastructure.
The industrial zone in Sonneberg offers attractive plot prices, with sizes starting from two hectares. The city has secured 9 million euros in funding from the state, with a total investment of 12 million euros, for the development of the industrial zone. Subsidies from the state are also supporting this development.
The overall regional emphasis is on creating a hydrogen-ready industrial ecosystem supported by robust renewable energy generation and infrastructure investments. While the specific industrial zone site in Sonneberg focuses on wind power repowering and expansion, the cooperative wind-hydrogen projects and the context of regional industrial investment strongly indicate major hydrogen infrastructure integration as a core part of the development vision.
The industrial zone is targeting both national and European companies, with a particular focus on hydrogen technology. As the development progresses, Sonneberg is poised to become a hub for sustainable energy innovation and hydrogen technology in Germany.
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