Family Tradition Meets the Future – How a Family Farm from Marienmünster Is Shaping the Energy Transition

For generations, the farming family has lived and worked on their estate, built around 1850. Over the decades, agriculture has proven to be a reliable source of income – with pig farming, arable crops, and hobby sheep breeding. But times have changed, and so has farming: “It’s become harder to make a living from agriculture alone,” says the farmer, who runs the business together with his successor.

They were early adopters of renewable energy – long before it became the norm. Nineteen years ago, he installed a large photovoltaic system on the barn, invested in wind turbines, and today grows corn for biogas plants. “It just pays off – it’s now a fixed part of our income.”

From First Contact to the Decision

The initial connection with green flexibility came through the local municipality – and the idea of a battery storage system on their own land slowly began to take shape. But it was a long process: “Every week I get calls and letters from companies wanting to buy or lease my land,” the farmer explains.

So why choose green flexibility? Personal support on-site and genuine expertise made the difference. “Having a real, reachable contact person who visits you is crucial,” he emphasizes. Especially with a complex topic like battery storage, it takes partners who don’t just make promises, but guide you with technical know-how – from site assessment to long-term implementation.

"Having a personal contact who is accessible and comes on-site is essential," emphasizes the farmer and landowner. Pictured here with Leandra Boes from green flexibility.

Another key factor was the support from the agricultural association. Issues like changes to property tax or inheritance questions can be decisive – and are often complex. “The support of the association was important here – you need expert guidance on these topics.”

„You can’t ignore it anymore“

For his successor, who will one day take over the farm, one thing is clear: the energy transition is a reality – and storage is a central part of it. “You simply can’t ignore it anymore. And if it makes financial sense for both sides, then it’s absolutely the right thing to do.”

Anyone driving through the East Westphalia-Lippe region will see a great number of wind turbines. But not all of them are turning – even on windy days, many stand still because there’s too much electricity being produced. “Just look at the wind turbines – that’s exactly why we need storage: to use renewable energy instead of shutting it down,” the landowner explains.

Sustainability and Profitability in Balance

For both generations, the key is a balanced approach: sustainability, economic viability, and a meaningful energy transition must go hand in hand. With the planned battery storage project on their farmland, they are making an active contribution to the energy future – while at the same time securing the future of their family farm.