Overview
The Büttel Solar Power Plant is an operational solar PV facility in Germany with a capacity of 31.5 MW. It contributes to the country's renewable energy transition under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
The Büttel Solar Power Plant is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in Germany, operating in the renewable energy sector. With a capacity of 31.5 MW, it falls within the medium-scale range for solar installations in the country. The plant is operational and supports Germany's goal of increasing renewable energy share in its electricity mix. The facility operates under Germany's regulatory framework, which is aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), targeting a 42.5% renewable energy share by 2030. Germany's national policies, including feed-in tariffs and grid connection guarantees, have fostered solar PV growth. The plant's capacity of 31.5 MW is typical for ground-mounted solar farms in the region. Environmentally, the Büttel Solar Power Plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar PV installations have minimal operational emissions, though land use and visual impact are considerations. The plant supports local grid stability and helps meet regional renewable energy targets.
Environmental context
Solar PV plants like Büttel have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no direct emissions. However, land use for ground-mounted arrays can affect local ecosystems and agricultural land. In Germany, solar farms are often sited on marginal or previously developed land to minimize impact. The plant's location in a temperate climate ensures moderate solar irradiance, and its operation aligns with national biodiversity guidelines to avoid sensitive habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The Büttel Solar Power Plant is located in Germany, near the town of Büttel in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, at coordinates 53.9145 N, 9.2263 E.
The Büttel Solar Power Plant has a capacity of 31.5 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic installation.
The Büttel Solar Power Plant uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, which converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels.
Germany aims to achieve a 42.5% renewable energy share by 2030 under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III. The Büttel plant contributes to this target by generating clean electricity and benefiting from national feed-in tariffs and grid access policies.
The plant generates electricity without direct greenhouse gas emissions, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Solar PV also has low water usage and minimal air pollution compared to conventional power plants.