Solar park near Osterholz: dispute sparked over areas and noise protection

Solar park near Osterholz: dispute sparked over areas and noise protection

The plans for a solar park in the Osterholz-Scharmbeck area are causing a lively conversation among residents, as the Weser-Kurier reports. The investor Kronos Solar from Munich has submitted its building applications for the implementation of the project, which extends over the areas north and south of Vor der Elm street and east and west of Elm/Westerbecker Straße.

An area of ​​61 hectares was originally planned, but this was reduced due to concerns from residents, particularly from the nearby Heilshorn settlement, as well as agricultural concerns. Constantin von der Decken, project developer at Kronos, describes the discussions with the citizens and local mayor Holger Heier as constructive. However, there are still concerns about the proximity of the solar system and possible noise pollution as well as interference with the landscape.

Political discourses and financial perspectives

The political discussion about the choice of location is in full swing. Werner Schauer from the SPD suggests using pre-sealed areas, while others like Anja Heuser from the Greens point out the urgent need for renewable energy. According to Lower Saxony's climate law, at least 0.47% of the state's area should be designated for solar power by 2033. With the planned area of ​​39.4 hectares, electricity production of around 50 million kilowatt hours per year is expected, which could bring the city around 100,000 euros annually - a total of around three million euros over three decades.

The possibility of grazing sheep on the site is viewed positively by several people involved. The solar modules should be mounted between 80 cm and 2.70 m high, with a distance of at least 2.50 m between the rows. However, Herbert Behrens from the Left calls for greater consideration of concerns about noise pollution. Marie Jordan from the CDU remains skeptical about the selection of space and hopes for alternative space options.

Outlook for the next steps

The application to draw up a land-use plan has already been decided, and a citizens' information event is essential. The next step includes the creation of a preliminary design and the design for the construction of the facility, with construction expected to begin within the next two to three years. The process remains open and citizens continue to have the opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions.

With over 100 successfully implemented solar parks in Europe, Kronos Solar demonstrates experience and commitment in the field of renewable energy, as illustrated by the core ideas of companies such as Solarpark USA, which have established themselves as major players in the solar industry since their founding in 2009. In this context, it is important to recognize that solutions in the field of renewable energy have applications not only locally, but also globally.

The discussion about the solar park plans in Osterholz-Scharmbeck is an expression of a broader trend towards sustainable energy sources. At a time when energy demand is increasing and the obligations arising from climate protection laws must be increasingly observed, it remains to be seen how this project will develop further.