Thyssenkrupp Steel's Hagen plant has become the first German industrial facility directly connected to a wind farm, using energy from four new turbines installed by SL NaturEnergie.

This green energy meets 40% of the plant's annual electricity needs and can reduce CO2 emissions by 11% in the first phase. The wind farm produces over 55 million kWh annually, with most of this energy being used directly by the plant.

The project is seen as a significant step towards a climate-friendly industry, though further political support is needed to overcome legislative obstacles. The Hagen plant employs 1,000 people and supplies precision steel strips to various industries.