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.
