Other forms of energy sources - Decision Regarding Altötting Wind Farm's Wind Turbines
In the town of Marktl, located in the Altötting district, locals will vote on Sunday to decide if they want to build wind turbines on their community land. These wind turbines are part of the largest planned wind park in Bavaria. Earlier, there were plans to set up four out of 40 turbines in Altöttinger Forest on the community's land.
However, due to protests, a revised concept with fewer rotors and larger distances to residential buildings has been developed, in an attempt to avoid rejection in the Marktl community vote. In the new plan, only 27 turbines are to be installed. Bavarian Economic Minister Hubert Aiwanger of the Free Voters recently campaigned for this during a town hall meeting.
Last month, residents in the nearby town of Mehring refused to allow the construction of wind turbines. At Mehring, about ten wind turbines had been planned for their land.
The "No" from the Mehringers to the Bavarian state's ambitious project caused quite a stir and led to debates about political responsibility. Minister Aiwanger visited the region frequently. At one point, there was even heated debate within the citizens' initiative – just before a visit by Aiwanger, three members left the initiative, citing the increasing influence of far-right AfD supporters.
The proposed 40 wind turbines, with a total capacity of 288 megawatts, could theoretically provide electricity to around 150,000 homes. With the now planned 27 wind turbines, the Ministry of Economics estimates a power output of approximately 370 million kilowatt hours. This wind park is also expected to provide thousands of jobs in the Bavarian Chemical Triangle with energy.
The Marktl town council presented a citizens' initiative in February. Representatives from the "Gegenwind Altötting" citizens' initiative consented to the question, according to the municipality.
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- Despite the controversy in Mehring, the Marktl community will vote on Sunday over the construction of wind turbines in their district, which is part of the largest planned wind park in Bavaria located in Altötting, Germany.
- This wind farm, if approved, will be built on community land and could potentially provide electricity to around 150,000 homes, creating thousands of jobs in the Bavarian Chemical Triangle's industrial regions.
- Local residents have expressed concerns about the impact of wind turbines on their environment, leading to protests and a revision of the original plan, which now includes only 27 turbines instead of 40.
- Hubert Aiwanger, the Bavarian Economic Minister and a member of the Free Voters party, has advocated for the project, discussing its benefits during a town hall meeting in Marktl.
- The District of Altötting, known for its historical significance and famous pilgrimage church, is also home to a growing interest in alternative energies, such as wind farms and wind turbines.
- Free voters and other citizens who support renewable energy sources often find themselves in disagreement with critics, who argue that wind farms may negatively impact local communities and wildlife, leading to ongoing debates and discussions about the balance between environmental concerns and industrial development.
