Wind farm in Wil: Axpo to assess fourth wind project in the canton of St.Gallen

24.09.2025 - Axpo, together with the city of Wil and additional partners, is assessing the feasibility of a wind farm in the Boxloo wind suitability area designated by the canton of St. Gallen. The plan foresees three turbines capable of generating electricity for around 5,000 households. The project aims to deliver renewable power particularly during the winter months, thereby contributing to Switzerland’s security of supply.

With the Wil site, Axpo is evaluating the feasibility of its fourth wind project in St. Gallen. Sites at Flumserberg, Rüthi & Sennwald, and Waldkirch (project “Tannenberg”) are already under review. Wil (project “Boxloo”) now joins this portfolio.

Informing the local community

On 23 September, an information evening was held in Wil. The city of Wil, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the St Gallen Office for Spatial Development and Axpo provided details on the project, the approval procedures and the potential of wind energy in Switzerland. The event offered participants the opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions and receive answers. Axpo’s Windmobil was also on site, where interested attendees were able to gain a vivid impression of the potential appearance of the wind farm and the technology through 3D visualisations and original audio recordings from a wind turbine.

Dialogue with the local population is central to Axpo. The project follows the principle “By the region, for the region”: alongside environmental benefits, it also brings economic advantages, as the host municipalities and local residents will be able to participate in a project company and benefit directly from the wind farm’s operation.

Andreas Breitenmoser, Councillor of Wil and Head of the Department of Supply and Energy, said: “I welcome the project for a wind farm in Boxloo because it could contribute to security of supply and promote locally produced renewable energy.” He added: “It is also important to actively involve the population and to discuss possible impacts on landscape, nature and noise transparently.” 

Project area and performance data

The cantonal spatial plan designates “Boxloo” as a wind suitability area and thus foresees it for the construction of wind energy facilities. The planned wind farm comprises three turbines that would generate around 25 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, equivalent to the average consumption of roughly 5,000 households.

Next steps

Following the information event, Axpo is commencing preliminary technical assessments. In November 2025, a wind measurement mast will be installed to record data on wind conditions and bat activity for at least one year. These findings will form the basis for further project planning and for evaluating the wind farm’s economic feasibility.

Cédric Aubert, Head of Swiss Wind Portfolio at Axpo, said: “Wind power delivers electricity when Switzerland needs it most: in winter. Over 60 per cent of generation occurs during the colder half of the year. By assessing the Wil site, we are taking a concrete step to advance security of supply, climate targets and regional value creation together.”