Legislative body initiates discussion - Municipalities get a portion of wind energy earnings.
Wind power benefits for Thuringia municipalities are now guaranteed by law. The legislation was passed in the state parliament in Erfurt with a slim majority of 37 to 35 votes. The proposal by the red-red-green coalition faced strong criticism from opposition parties.
Before the vote, Minister President Bodo Ramelow (Left) advocated for the law, which ensures municipalities receive 0.2 cents per kilowatt hour generated from nearby wind power facilities. Despite opposition from the CDU, AfD, and FDP, the coalition passed the bill - albeit four votes shy of a majority.
Environment Minister Bernhard Stengele (Greens) welcomed the decision, highlighting how municipalities in rural areas can now expect a steady stream of income from wind parks. In the debate, Green MP Laura Wahl estimated that municipalities could earn approximately 200,000 euros per year from a wind park with eight turbines.
While the law won't directly lead to more wind farms being built, it's a step towards that goal while potentially reducing citizens' costs. Ramelow, whose government supports decentralized, regional, and renewable energy solutions, said the legislation represents progress in that direction.
CDU MP Christina Tasch stated her party didn't need the law, believing it was an attempt to buy public acceptance of wind power. FDP MP Dirk Bergner considered it a form of modern waste trading, arguing federal regulations for municipal involvement in wind energy were enough. AfD MP Nadine Hoffmann labelled the law a deception.
Plans for citizen participation in wind power revenue were dropped by the Left, SPD, and Greens during the discussion, along with models providing direct power supply to citizens within a 2500-meter radius.
Thuringia has made relatively modest progress in expanding wind energy as an electricity source compared to the rest of Germany. Only six new wind power plants were approved in 2023. The Thuringian Ministry of the Environment reports that there are currently around 870 operational wind turbines. This year, around 20 new wind turbines have been approved.
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The Thuringian Parliament, recognizing the importance of alternative energies, passed a law guaranteeing wind energy earnings for municipalities. This legislation, backed by the red-red-green coalition, faces opposition from parties like the CDU, AfD, and FDP.
Minister President Bodo Ramelow and Environment Minister Bernhard Stengele advocate for municipalities to receive 0.2 cents per kilowatt hour from local wind power facilities. This could potentially generate 200,000 euros yearly for a wind park with eight turbines.
Critics argue that this law is an attempt to buy public acceptance of wind power or modern waste trading. The CDU, AfD, and FDP, despite opposing the law, couldn't prevent its passage due to the coalition's slim majority of 37 to 35 votes.
The new law aims to encourage wind energy growth in Thuringia, which currently has around 870 operational wind turbines and approved six new plants in 2023. However, the Left, SPD, and Greens dropped plans for citizen participation in revenue during the discussion.
Despite opposition, the parliament's decision to support alternative energies could help reduce energy costs for citizens and promote renewable energy solutions in Thuringia, as advocated by Ramelow's government.
Thuringia's progress in wind energy compared to other German states is modest, but legislation like this could attract investment and stimulate growth in the sector, potentially making wind power a more prominent energy source in the region.
