Planned wind turbines in Fernwald: Citizens inform themselves

Planned wind turbines in Fernwald: Citizens inform themselves

In an information event on September 5, 2024 in the Fernwaldhaus, the first draft for the planned wind farm was presented in the Fernwald area. This includes the installation of seven wind turbines in the forest between Steinbach, Annerod and Oppenrod. The event, in which both interested citizens and around 35 parliamentarians from the cities involved in Gießen, Fernwald and Buseck took part, revolved around the possible implementation of the project.

The response in the Fernwaldhalle was rather behavior, about 100 visitors were present. However, the citizens present had many questions and showed a lot of interest in the planned wind farm. The two companies Land+Forst renewable energies from Hösbach and Lintas Green Energy from Oldenburg, which had been awarded the contract for project development in October of the previous year, presented their plans.

Details on the wind turbines

The planned wind turbines are to reach a total height of up to 250 meters and generate a nominal output of six megawatts per system. This would make it possible to generate around 108,897 MWh of electricity annually, which corresponds to the need of around 43,500 two-person households. In order to keep the interference in nature as low as possible, locations that are at least 1,000 meters from the nearest residential buildings were determined in coordination with Hesse Forst and local forest authorities.

Martin Buntemeyer from Lintas Green Energy informed those present that the technical details also include the sound values that are said to be between 35 and 40 dB/a - comparable to the conditions in a quiet apartment. It is important to take the concerns of citizens into account, especially with regard to possible environmental pollution during the construction period.

Attorney Micha Klewar explained the progress in the contract negotiations. A certificate contract guarantees project developers planning security. In the coming years, further contracts and a cooperation agreement that regulates the participation of municipalities and citizens are to be drawn up.

The companies emphasize that the added value through electricity production should remain on site, which is an important requirement for the project developers. It is aimed for that municipalities and citizens even keep more than 50 percent in the operating company to keep an impact on the use of the generated electricity.

In addition, there is the possibility that other municipalities could participate in this project. This could help to raise the investment volume and to enable the citizens to make a greater participation.

answering questions and concerns

During the question and ceremony, concerns about the environmental impact and possible noise pollution came up. A citizen expressed his amazement at the choice of a location that is considered "windwow". However, Klewar explained that this was a name that only referred to the position away from the coastal region. However, the wind turbines are expected to deliver sufficient income.

Another important topic was the disposal of the wind turbines at the end of their lifespan. The project developers ensured that all dismantling work will take place without additional costs for the municipalities. This includes the removal of concrete foundations and ways.

In the coming months, the planning will continue to be promoted, and various reports and votes with authorities are still required before the application can finally be submitted in accordance with the Federal Immission Protection Act. The entire project remains a dynamic process in which everyone involved is continuously informed about changes and new developments.

The planning show that the wind farm not only contributes to energy generation, but also offers the opportunity to actively shape the participation of municipalities and citizens. The next information event and the meetings of the municipal specialist committees are already being planned to keep the participants up to date.