Pharmaserv and Krug-Energie invest in wind farm project in Marburg

The planned wind farm will be located between the Behringwerke and Görzhausen sites in the "Marburger Rücken" forest area, around three kilometres south-east of Michelbach, and will primarily cover the energy requirements of the pharmaceutical companies. The area is one of 418 wind priority areas in Hessen where the use of wind energy is particularly encouraged. "This project is a key part of our efforts to achieve a completely climate-neutral site by 2030," explains Dr Martin Egger, Managing Director of site operator Infrareal and Pharmaserv. "It is not only a contribution to climate protection, but also an investment in the long-term sustainability of our company and the region." The regionally generated wind power is to be used primarily to generate climate-neutral steam at the Behringwerke pharmaceutical and biotech site, which is required for production in the plants.

The responsibilities in the project are clearly divided: Pharmaserv will be responsible for internal coordination and communication with the local authorities and communities, while Krug-Energie will manage the construction, approval planning and technical realisation of the wind turbines. Pharmaserv will finance and operate three to four of the planned 5 to 7 wind turbines in the 6 MW class. Krug-Energie will construct and operate at least two turbines. The electricity generated will primarily be used for steam generation and other energy-intensive processes at the Behringwerke pharmaceutical and biotech site, which will significantly reduce CO₂ emissions at the site. Surplus energy generated during windy periods can be fed into the local grid to support the regional energy supply. "Regional power generation and local utilisation relieves the strain on the grids - that's a big plus in terms of sustainability," adds Steffen Krug, Managing Director of Krug-Energie.

Sustainability through regional electricity generation and regional consumers

In order to minimise the impact on the natural forest landscape, the wind turbines are to be located primarily on conversion areas. "The location is ideal: on the one hand, we have short distances to the plant areas of the Behringwerke site, and on the other hand, the wind turbines will be erected far away from residential areas," explains Markus Sauerbier, Head of Site Management at Pharmaserv: "By investing in the wind farm, Pharmaserv is not only responding to rising energy prices in the long term, but also to growing demand. And local generation makes us less dependent on the grid," Sauerbier is convinced. Pharmaserv is also planning to build thermal energy storage facilities at the Behringwerke site so that it can produce steam from renewable electricity even when there is no wind.

Krug-Energie and Pharmaserv will invest a mid double-digit million euro amount in the project. "This investment emphasises the long-term commitment of both companies to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future," explains Steffen Krug. The amortisation period for the project is estimated to be around 12 to 20 years, depending on the final conditions and energy yield. "This represents a significant investment that not only makes economic sense, but also strengthens the local economy and the community," Krug is convinced.

Once the necessary planning and environmental reports have been finalised, Pharmaserv intends to submit an application for approval this year. The project partners expect approval by the end of 2025, followed by a rapid construction phase: Against this backdrop, the first wind turbines could go into operation as early as 2026. In order to promote transparency and local acceptance, the project partners are planning to organise public hearings and information events as part of the approval process. The companies will also finance and implement compensatory measures to offset any impact on the environment.

"With this project, we are sending a strong signal for the future of energy in Marburg and demonstrating that industrial production and ecological responsibility can go hand in hand," says Dr Martin Egger. "The partnership with Krug Energie enables us to implement innovative and sustainable solutions for energy generation directly on site."

About Krug-Energie

Krug-Energie GmbH & Co KG, based in Münchhausen-Wollmar, emerged from the energy-related activities of Krug Immobilien GmbH & Co KG and is now run as a second-generation family business. Krug-Energie has extensive experience in the field of renewable energies: having started out by utilising the roof surfaces of its own buildings to generate energy, Krug-Energie now develops wind farms, including wind farms with Federal Immission Control Act approval and photovoltaic parks.

We want to shape the energy transition together with citizens and local authorities. We want to involve local people in our projects. In our opinion, value creation should take place locally in order to strengthen the local economy and infrastructure. That's why our motto is: "From the region for the region!"

About Pharmaserv

As a leading service provider for companies in the pharmaceutical industry, Pharmaserv has been offering comprehensive services in the areas of property, technology and logistics for over 25 years. Pharmaserv operates the Behringwerke site in Marburg, where it provides property tailored to the needs of pharmaceutical companies and takes care of new builds and conversions as well as supply networks for all energies and media.

In the field of technology, Pharmaserv offers technical services throughout Germany that are specially tailored to the requirements of the pharmaceutical industry, including project management, plant construction, maintenance and repairs. In addition to Marburg, Pharmaserv has branches in Frankfurt, Cologne and Jena.

With Pharmaserv Logistics, the company also offers comprehensive logistics solutions, including the storage of raw materials, distribution of finished medicinal products and worldwide shipping by lorry, air and sea freight, using sites in Marburg, Groß-Gerau, Lützellinden and Düsseldorf.

Pharmaserv enables its customers to concentrate on their core business - research, development and production of pharmaceuticals.

About Infrareal

Infrareal Holding is a management holding company and leading group of site operating companies specialising in the operation and development of industrial and business parks with a focus on pharmaceuticals and life sciences. The company, which belongs to Swiss Life Asset Management and Gelsenwasser AG, pursues a "one-company approach", offering customers a comprehensive range of services comprising professional management, infrastructure, technology and logistics from a single source.

With many years of experience, Infrareal successfully operates pharmaceutical and biotechnology parks in Marburg and Jena with over 600 employees, employing more than 7,000 people. The corporate philosophy includes transparent pricing models, customised offers and employee development. As the owner and operator of the sites, Infrareal invests for the long term, continuously develops and strives for maximum customer satisfaction.