Controversial wind power plan under scrutiny: Rheinsberg defends itself!

Controversial wind power plan under scrutiny: Rheinsberg defends itself!

In northern Rheinsberg, right near Dorf Zechlin, there is an exciting project coming up that could move many minds. Berliner Gasag has submitted an application to the Brandenburg State Environment Agency for the construction of six wind turbines, each of which will rise an impressive 200 meters into the sky. This is all the more controversial because the area has not yet been designated as a wind-suitable area and is located near the state-recognized resort of Flecken Zechlin and the Stechlin-Ruppiner Land Nature Park. The mayor of Rheinsberg, Frank-Rudi Schwochow (BVB-Free Voters), is already expressing concerns about the project and points out possible negative effects on the landscape and tourism. According to maz-online.de there is also a change block for the development plan “Zechlin Recreational Forest” was decided to put a stop to the project for the time being.

Despite the concerns, there are also reasons for optimism. Gasag predicts that the wind turbine could produce around 64,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually. The financial benefit for Rheinsberg and Wittstock (Dosse) amounts to around 60,000 euros per year, of which 10,000 euros can be expected per wind turbine. In addition, a further 128,000 euros are planned for the electricity fed in. Residents in Wallitz, Kagar, Dorf Zechlin and Flecken Zechlin can benefit from an electricity bonus of 200 euros annually. It may well be that the wind turbines will also have a positive long-term impact on the municipal coffers.

Pros and cons of wind turbines

At the same time, many people ask themselves how wind turbines are perceived by tourists. According to a survey by the market research institute YouGov, 43% of respondents feel neutral about wind turbines and 30% even feel positive. A smaller proportion of 20% have a negative attitude towards the appearance of the systems. In Schleswig-Holstein, studies show that 65% of holidaymakers accept wind turbines as a landscape feature. Only 6% said they were bothered by them; only 1 to 2% consider avoiding a travel destination because of wind turbines. enbw.com highlights that negative impacts on tourism can exist within a radius of up to 20 kilometers, but these are offset by increasing tourist demand.

Gasag's application could not only provide financial impetus, but also show that the topic of wind power and environmental protection can have a place in the region. Objections to the project must be submitted to the State Environment Agency by November 21st. Gasag also reserves the right to file a lawsuit against the change ban if they do not receive the desired approvals. If everything goes according to plan, the wind turbines could be built as early as 2027 and put into operation in 2028.