Wind power in the Allgäu: New wind turbines ensure heated debates!

Wind power in the Allgäu: New wind turbines ensure heated debates!

In the Allgäu, something is happening in terms of wind power! Several wind turbines are planned that could shape the landscape. But not all residents are enthusiastic about this development. Some fear that the new wind turbines will disguise the picturesque backdrop. As the Allgäuer Zeitung has reported to the regional planning association (RPV) Allgäu publishes a draft that provides that 2.3 percent of the area in the region should be available for wind power. A federal law forces the region to provide space for this environmentally friendly energy source.

The response to the design was clear: the RPV received 745 statements from citizens, municipalities and authorities. Conclusion? Over 1100 signatures were collected to protest against the expansion of wind turbines in the Allgäu. Irene Marquart, the managing director of the RPV, explains that all objections are taken seriously, even if some of those affected are not taken into account the aesthetic question of the ugliness of the wind turbines. More important are specific impairments of land or drinking water supply.

locations and planning

Where could the new wind turbines actually stand? This question concerns not only the residents, but also those responsible for the RPV. The identification of suitable locations is currently being worked on to show 1.8 percent of the Allgäu area for wind turbines by 2034. The municipalities, counties and cities in the Upper and Ostallgäu as well as in Kempten and Kaufbeuren are closely integrated. A letter was sent to all relevant local authorities to determine possible locations.

certain criteria are of great importance. For example, a minimum distance of 800 meters to residential areas must be guaranteed. In addition, water protection areas and biotopes are excluded. A buffer zone of 600 meters to hamlet is also prescribed. The 10-hour rule, which requires minimum distances of ten wind turbine height in many regions, does not apply in priority areas, which makes the search for suitable areas easier.

Citizen participation and commitment

One of the central concerns of the RPV is the integration of citizens in the planning process. This type of citizen participation aims to collect a variety of perspectives and to develop a common understanding of renewable energies, such as the aim is to in Hechtsheim. Public relations through discussion forums and information events could offer a lot of space to develop. Experts could illustrate the advantages and challenges of wind and solar energy and give the residents space for questions and suggestions, in the sense of suggestions from Kai Schütz .

In the course of this year, Marquart would like to concretize the possible areas for wind power. The RPV must show at least 1.1 percent of the area by 2027, but the target of 1.8 percent by 2032 could be subjected to a legal reassessment - it remains to be seen exciting which solutions are ultimately found. The cards of the preliminary search spaces and the quality of the citizen participation will be decisive factors. It is important that the citizens not only heard, but are also actively involved in the planning.

The opinions in the region are divided, but one thing is certain: the wind of change blows through the Allgäu, and it is up to the citizens and those responsible to find a course together that takes into account both the needs of people and the requirements for a sustainable future.