Battle over the wind power project: Mayor under pressure in Zell!

Battle over the wind power project: Mayor under pressure in Zell!

Mayor Peter Palme reacted with mixed feelings, but also relief, to the recently granted approval for the Zeller Blauen wind farm, which provides for seven new wind turbines. Again Black Forest messenger reported, however, there were allegations that the mayor was misleading citizens about the council's decisions. It is criticized that the statement that the Council has always voted unanimously for wind power does not correspond to reality. In reality, the local council was recently opposed to the EWS building application.

A decision from November was particularly explosive, when the local council unanimously approved the Pfaffenberg local council's request to protest against the wind power project. Mayor Palme had previously sent a “formal rejection” of the project to the district office. Marion Isele, the mayoral candidate, also criticizes Zell's lack of a clear positioning in relation to other wind priority areas. The deadline for planning is about to expire.

Approval process and legal basis

The process for approving the wind farm was initiated by Windpark Zeller Blauen GmbH & Co. KG in October 2024, according to the website Lörrach district described in detail. The emissions control permit application covers seven wind turbines and has gone through all the necessary procedural steps. The district office is optimistic that the application will meet the legal approval requirements.

Unfortunately, the exams dragged on. The last documents were submitted on January 30, 2025 and were assessed as complete. From this date, the actual approval process began, which, just like with similar projects, takes place in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG). The focus is on ensuring that the wind turbines do not cause any harmful environmental impacts, as the Wind and Solar Agency describes.

Future outlook for wind power in Zell

Wind power has become more important in recent years, not only in Zell, but also in a supra-regional context. Approval is expected to be granted by the end of April 2025, which would allow construction within the following three years, provided all conditions are met. Due to the approval process, which also takes into account the effects of wind turbines on people, animals, plants and the environment, things will remain exciting in the next few weeks.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether Zell can take a clear direction in wind power policy. The critical voices, including from Marion Isele, could represent a turning point in the discussion about renewable energies. There may be a change at the top of Zell's town hall on September 21st - an ideal date for a reorientation.

Whether bamboo or another tree blows onto the Zeller Blauen, the future of wind power remains a topic that concerns many citizens and will certainly continue to polarize.