As of: January 31, 2024, 4:48 a.m
By: Felix Herz
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The plans for Bavaria's largest wind farm in the Altöttinger Forest are encountering resistance.
The majority of the citizens of Mehring reject the wind turbines.
Update from January 29th, 1:30 p.m
.: Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) also comments on the Mehringer citizens' no vote regarding the new wind turbines in the Altöttinger Forest in Bavaria.
He said he wanted to stick to the project of a large wind farm in principle.
The decision in Mehring was “not a broken leg” and “not a major setback,” said Söder on Monday after the cabinet meeting took place in St. Quirin on Lake Tegernsee.
No “wind farm light”: accept the citizens’ decision – and develop plan B?
“We still believe that a lot is possible,” explained Söder.
It is a primary concern that the wind farm is realized - and not a “wind farm light”.
This is a central component of Bavaria's wind energy strategy.
Söder emphasized that there was “of course respect” for the negative attitude of the citizens on Sunday.
It is important to accept this decision.
Nevertheless, we will now examine how to deal with this and consider “whether there is a plan B”.
However, there should be “no major compromises” with this project; it may have to be implemented in a slightly modified form.
We will think about appropriate “detours”.
Update from January 29th, 11:30 a.m
.: Despite the Mehringen population's rejection of wind turbines, the state government, the Bavarian State Forests and the Qair company intend to continue the project in the Altöttinger Forest.
“I am still in favor of building wind turbines in the region to generate renewable energy for the chemical park and the citizens,” said Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters).
The goal is to build the largest wind farm in Bavaria.
Aiwanger: “Most citizens are not convinced”
On Sunday, the residents of Mehring in the Altötting district rejected wind turbines in their municipal area in a council and referendum.
According to the original plans, around 10 of the 40 wind turbines were to be built there.
The state forest between Altötting and Marktl - possible location for the controversial wind farm.
© imagebroker / IMAGO
“The decision of the citizens of Mehring shows that the majority of them are not convinced by the previous planning.
It is now important to examine how the wind energy project will be continued,” emphasized Aiwanger.
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The motto: Respect the decision – but continue to pursue the project
The Bavarian State Forests stated that they would respect the result of the referendum.
“The Bavarian State Forests and the project developer Qair Deutschland agree that the overall project to expand wind energy in the Burghauser and Altöttinger Forests should be pursued further.”
In 2023, the Mehring local council approved the project.
Now Mayor Robert Buchner (Free Voters) announced that he would submit a motion to withdraw the approval.
The will of the citizens is binding.
First report from January 29th
: Altötting - The majority of residents of Mehring in the Altötting district have decided against the construction of wind turbines in their municipal area.
This became clear through both a council decision and a referendum, as Robert Buchner, mayor of the Free Voters, confirmed when asked on Sunday evening, January 28th.
Bavaria's largest wind farm planned: Mehringer speaks out against the wind turbines
The largest wind farm in Bavaria is planned for the Altöttinger Forest.
With a total capacity of 288 megawatts, it will also supply the Bavarian chemical triangle with energy.
Originally, ten of the approximately 40 wind turbines were to be built in the Mehring area.
This result could therefore have significant consequences for the entire project.
The citizens of Mehring have decided: No wind turbines in their municipal area.
A setback for Bavaria's largest planned wind farm.
(Symbolic image) © picture alliance/dpa |
Rabea Gruber
The council decision, in which citizens were asked whether they supported the planning and construction of the wind turbines, was rejected by 876 votes to 525.
In the referendum, 928 voters voted in favor and 454 against that the municipality should do everything in its power to prevent the wind turbines.
“It’s a shame that the majority were against it,” said Mayor Buchner.
“I can't yet judge how much of an impact this will have on the construction of the wind farm.” At least they managed to mobilize a large majority to vote: voter turnout was 75 percent.
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People “stand up for their forest and environment” – and vote against wind farms
The “Gegenwind Altötting” initiative, which launched the citizens’ initiative, was pleased with the result.
“This shows that people are committed to their forest, their environment and their homeland,” says Rainer Harböck from “Gegenwind”.
“Now we can take the next steps with confidence.” Further citizens’ initiatives are planned in neighboring communities, including in Marktl on June 9th for the European elections.
Wind power projects were recently planned in seven communities.
The Mehring local council had already given its approval to the project at the beginning of 2023.
Mayor Buchner announced that he would submit a motion to revoke this consent.
“If the approval process comes about, we have to refuse our consent because the will of the citizens is binding.” From a legal point of view, this is only valid for one year.
But: “We have to be guided by the will of the people.”
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The editor Felix Herz wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at his own discretion. All information has been carefully checked.
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