At the Herrscheid wind farm, situated between Oedingen and Cobbenrode, complaints regarding persistent noise have been on the rise for months. The affected areas include Oedingen, Oedingerberg, Brenschede, Leckmart, and Cobbenrode. According to its own statements, AboEnergy has been aware of the noise issues since May 2025. The problems are attributed to malfunctions in the azimuth system, which rotates the nacelles—along with their rotors—to face the wind. However, residents report more than just isolated defects; they describe creaking nacelles, humming sounds, and loud wind-induced impacts. The close proximity of individual homes is a particularly critical issue. In Leckmart, one residential property is located just 730 meters from the nearest turbine. Residents in that area complain of sleep deprivation, disruptions to their daily lives, and growing anger. (wp: 09.05.26)
Persistent Noise Hits Residents Hardest During East Winds
Ingo Hendrichs from Brenschede lives approximately 1,200 meters from the nearest wind turbine. He says that when the wind blows from the east, the noise hits the village particularly hard. “With an east wind, we get the full brunt of it. It’s especially bad in the evening, when you’re sitting out on the terrace.” He also hears the whirring of the yaw motors whenever the rotors change position.
Residents on Buchenweg in Oedingen also report experiencing severe noise. At this location, the distance to the turbines is approximately 900 meters. One resident describes how the problems began as early as last year. He also notes a loud creaking sound from the brakes whenever the wind turbine is rotating. He suspects that additional defects exist, pointing out that technicians have been working on several turbines over the past few days.
Operator Refers to Manufacturer and Azimuth System
On the eastern side of the Herrscheid ridge, the noise nuisance is particularly severe. André Gödde from Leckmart describes the situation as a constant state of affairs. His home is situated approximately 730 meters from the nearest turbine. He notes that, at times—even during normal operation—getting any sleep is out of the question. Furthermore, he says the turbines frequently sound like a foghorn.
AboEnergy confirms that it has been aware of these noise issues since May 2025. However, the company states that it responds to malfunctions immediately. It also maintains close contact with the turbine manufacturer, which is currently working on a permanent solution. Company spokesperson Caroline Pilz emphasizes that they are committed to ensuring a prompt resolution. According to Gödde, however, it typically takes three to five days for acute problems to subside.
Owner Refuses to Shut Down Turbines Despite Complaints
Since the summer of 2025, the wind farm has been owned by Stadtwerke Heidenheim AG. The company expresses regret regarding the recurring problems. As a medium-term solution, it arranged for the brake pads in the azimuth system to be replaced. Nevertheless, residents continue to report constant noise and nighttime disturbances. According to the owner, the manufacturer is working with urgency to develop a permanent solution.
Shutting down the turbines is currently not an option. For technical reasons, the wind-tracking system must remain operational; otherwise, there would be a risk of damage to the wind turbines. Consequently, local frustration continues to mount. Residents also criticize the fact that the noise levels at Herrscheid appear to be louder than those produced by turbines of the same model located at other sites. According to AboEnergy, all four wind turbines are identical in construction. However, sound measurements that could substantiate the extent of the issue have not yet been conducted.
Manufacturer GE Vernova Fails to Respond to Inquiry
The manufacturer, GE Vernova, could provide an explanation for the technical causes. However, the company—headquartered in the U.S. state of Massachusetts—has so far declined to comment. A detailed inquiry has gone unanswered for more than a week. The inquiry addressed, among other things, potential defects, known issues with specific product series, and the lack of a permanent solution.
For those affected, this silence further exacerbates an already difficult situation. André Gödde fears adverse health effects resulting from sleep deprivation. At the same time, he emphasizes that his family has no fundamental objection to wind power; however, he insists that operations be conducted within the intended technical parameters. Ingo Hendrichs also points to additional burdens. Brenschede is situated between two wind farms. Residents report hearing the rhythmic thump of the wind turbines even from the Stöppel wind farm, despite the nearest turbine there being located some 2,800 meters away.