Suche
Mein Konto
Dispute over wind turbines in Mittelbach: Citizens fear loss of value!
On September 16, 2025, Mittelbach discussed wind turbines that evoke emotional reactions from villagers.
Dispute over wind turbines in Mittelbach: Citizens fear loss of value!
Things are getting exciting in the small community of Mittelbach: The discussion about the construction of wind turbines is gaining momentum without all the permits having been received yet. This will be discussed in the local council on Thursday evening. The occasion is the fourth partial update of the West Palatinate regional spatial plan, which will probably set the course for the expansion of priority areas for wind energy. How Rhine Palatinate reported, this could involve new areas directly at Wahlerhof, which border on the state border.
Local mayor Aaron Holaus emphasizes that the topic affects the villagers emotionally. In particular, the planned priority area, which is in the sights of the Munich company BayWa, is causing heated debates in the area. BayWa has been planning the Buchenwald wind farm since 2021, which has caused a lot of criticism in the community. Some residents fear that their properties could lose value as a result of the wind turbines.
Wind energy in the region
The construction of wind turbines is an important part of the energy transition and is also being actively promoted in other federal states, such as Bavaria. The “Bavarian Energy Plan 2040” aims to build around 1,000 new wind turbines by 2030 in order to become climate neutral by 2040. The Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs informed that wind priority areas are currently being identified in the regional plans, with the participation of the locally responsible planning associations.
When planning such things, it is crucial to inform residents at an early stage and involve them in the process. This is done through public participation processes and events that promote exchange with specialist stakeholders. Another important element is the onshore wind law, which aims to secure the provision of land for onshore wind energy expansion and to simplify existing planning procedures. For example, since it came into force on February 1, 2023, permits for wind turbines in designated areas have been made easier.
The public interest
The outstanding public interest in the expansion of renewable energies is repeatedly emphasized with regard to the planning designation of wind energy areas. As in Federal Ministry of Economics can be read, new regulations in the building code and simpler approval procedures should help to advance the expansion of wind power. Through a planned law, citizens and communities will also have the opportunity to benefit financially from new wind energy and photovoltaic systems.
All of these aspects are included in the discussion in Mittelbach. On Thursday at 6.30 p.m. there will be a debate about wind power in the village community center and you will certainly hear not only the arguments of the supporters, but also the concerns of the opponents. Opinions in the village are divided and it remains to be seen in which direction the matter will develop.