Power plants in danger: Citizens stop wind power plans in Templin!

Power plants in danger: Citizens stop wind power plans in Templin!

At the Templin city council meeting, which took place in the Multicultural Center, an important decision was recently made regarding a controversial building project. How Northern Courier reported, the construction of five wind turbines from ABO Energy between the Driving Center Groß Dölln and Vietmannsdorf was under discussion. But the building application met with massive resistance from the population.

Numerous residents from Vietmannsdorf, Gollin and Dargersdorf were present at the meeting to express their concerns frankly and freely. Concerns about the economic impact on local businesses were particularly loud. Susanne Wurth, a farmer from Gut Gollin, voiced her fears. Uwe Noack from Gollin also asked critical questions about possible nature conservation concerns, especially since the planned area is close to relevant nature conservation areas. Protected bird species, such as the lesser spotted eagle, and a winter roost of 11,000 bats caused additional discussions. “How does this work together with our forest fire protection?” asked Noack and drew attention to the increased demands on the fire brigades in an emergency.

A unanimous decision against the wind farm

Despite the 341 signatures from citizens against the project, department head Thekla Seifert explained that the city administration had to submit the company's application. However, the city council clearly sided with the population and decided unanimously against the construction of the wind turbines. Such a unanimous decision is not an everyday occurrence and shows how important concerns about wind energy projects are to the residents of Templin.

As in dvw.de As described, wind turbines are privileged in outdoor areas, which means that no development plan is necessary for them - in contrast to solar parks. Nevertheless, drawing up a development plan can make sense, especially to create the legal framework for the construction of wind farms. These options are often used by municipalities to better prioritize goals of energy space efficiency as well as environmental, climate and landscape protection.

The legal framework for the use of wind power

The legal requirements for the use of wind power in Germany, as stated on deutsche-windindustrie.de are aimed at promoting the expansion of renewable energies while taking environmental and species protection into account. Specific regulations regarding the choice of location and approval procedures are applied, which should also take the interests of citizens into account.

Citizen participation, which is promoted through information events and public hearings, is also important. This is an attempt to increase acceptance in the regions. But as the recent decision in Templin shows, broad support among the population is essential for the realization of such projects. Citizens' voices must be heard when it comes to the future of wind power in our region.