Demolition of Former Coal Plant in Ibbenbüren Begins to Pave Way for Wind Energy Converter

Controlled explosions are underway to clear the site for a renewable energy facility, with local residents evacuated for safety.

The demolition of a 120-meter-high boiler house and a 125-meter-high cooling tower at the former Ibbenbüren coal power plant is in progress.
Approximately 130 local residents and 700 individuals from a nearby accommodation facility were evacuated ahead of the controlled explosions.
The site will be handed over to grid operator Amprion by summer 2026 for the construction of a converter station for offshore wind energy.
The converter station, expected to be operational by 2031, will process wind energy from the North Sea for integration into Germany's power grid.
This project marks a significant step in Germany’s transition from coal to renewable energy as part of its broader climate goals.