Controversial wind power plan: Altomünster discusses with citizens!

Controversial wind power plan: Altomünster discusses with citizens!

In Altomünster, the topic of wind power is in full swing and leaves no one unmoved. At an information evening held by the market town, which attracted numerous visitors, including several opponents of the wind power projects, the current situation surrounding the planned wind turbines in the Altoforst was discussed. Mayor Michael Reiter made it clear that the wind turbines must be built in a designated wind priority zone and emphasized that the positive mood among the population continues despite the concerns of critics. The goal of founding the Dachauer Land citizens' energy cooperative in order to promote regional value creation cannot be dismissed out of hand. This happened in 2023 and has now gained over 700 members, which shows that more and more citizens want to invest in renewable energies. Süddeutsche reports that ...

But what exactly is on the agenda? Five wind turbines are currently planned, although the project is still in an early phase. Great attention is being paid to discussions with around 100 owners in the priority zones, around half of which have already secured the required space. However, Reiter says that he assumes that no wind turbine will be in operation before 2030. The planned wind turbines will be an impressive 265 meters high and can generate enough electricity for 3,000 to 4,000 households. It should also be noted that the concern about sealing the forest is taken seriously: only 0.3% of the old forest is to be permanently fortified, while the construction work could take up 0.5%.

Highlights of the project

• Bürgerenergiegenossenschaft Dachauer Land gegründet 2023 mit über 700 Mitgliedern.
• Geplante Windräder haben eine Höhe von 265 Metern und versorgen 3000 bis 4000 Haushalte mit Strom.
• Es sind Gespräche mit rund 100 betroffenen Grundstückseigentümern im Gange.
• 0,3% des Altowaldes werden dauerhaft versiegelt, 0,5% während der Bauzeit.
• Vor Inbetriebnahme der Windräder wird kein Windrad vor 2030 erwartet.

The citizens' energy cooperative has received support for the planning and approval of the wind turbines. From January 1, 2023, a new funding program has begun to support community energy companies with costs. Up to 70% of the planning and approval costs are funded, up to a maximum of 300,000 euros per project. This initiative shows how important it is to actively integrate citizens into the energy supply. The new improved funding conditions are expected to come into force from July 1, 2024, which could give the cooperative an additional boost. For more information about funding, those interested can go to the BAFA website, which provides information in good time. BAFA explains the support for citizen energy companies...

With the push for wind power, the market town of Altomünster expects a positive development in energy supply and a sustainable future. The collaboration with partners such as the Altomünster municipal company Altopower and the Munich municipal utility shows that we are pursuing a joint project that benefits everyone involved. Even though there are still many challenges, the hope remains that with a good hand in planning and implementation, wind power could soon be felt in the region. The colorful discussions in the community, whether for or against wind power, will probably remain an exciting side effect of the project in the future.