Protection of the Limes: Wind power plans in Neuwied re -evaluated

Protection of the Limes: Wind power plans in Neuwied re -evaluated

The protection of the Limes World Heritage significantly influences wind power plans in the Neuwied district. A joint meeting of experts recently illustrated the challenges and opportunities for the region.

Photo: Stadtwerke Neuwied/Gerd Neuwirth

Reading time: 2 minutes

sustainable solutions wanted

In the Neuwied district, two important goals collide: the expansion of renewable energies, especially wind power, and the protection of the UNESCO World Heritage Limes. At a meeting of Stadtwerke Neuwied (SWN) with representatives of the monument protection, it became clear how complex this topic is. The Obergermanisch-Raetic Limes extends over 550 kilometers and is therefore the longest monument in Europe. He has been a World Heritage Site since 2005 and enjoys special protection.

locations for wind power slightly reduced

The Stadtwerke Neuwied had ambitious plans for the construction of wind turbines in the Heimbach Forest. When checking the locations, however, it became clear that the number of possible systems had to be reduced to 31. "So far, we have lacked cards with the protection zones, which made planning difficult," explains Josephine Niggemeier from Caeli, who works in the project. During the inspection in the forest, the focus was on the protective regulations of the Limes, which do not allow wind turbines in the core and buffer zone.

meeting at Heidengraben

The meeting at the “Heidengraben” parking lot was not only used for planning, but also the exchange about possible approaches to solve the conflicts. "Our goal is to take all parameters into account - from the wind to forest quality to the terrain," adds Michael Schröder from Caeli. The experts must ensure that the construction of wind turbines is in line with the special protection regulations.

ecological responsibility

An important argument for expansion of wind turbines is environmental protection. Stadtwerke Neuwied hope for a sustainable energy source through the systems that can cover future needs. But the challenge remains great: five systems are now in the buffer zone, so that two locations have to be readjusted. "The alternatives offering are under the sign of special species protection and the terrain structure," explains Niggemeier.

look ahead

The positive news for the municipal utility is that the remaining locations can already be reached via existing access routes. "So we can work in the transport process, which makes construction easier," says Julian Scherhag from Stadtwerke. Nevertheless, the challenge remains that the two shifted systems are now on private site, which means that further negotiations have to be conducted.

a question of priorities

In the future, the right balance between the expansion of wind power and the protection of the world heritage will be decisive. The conversations show that everyone involved is willing to find solutions that take into account both ecological and social aspects. The tender via Caeli can now begin and potential providers can apply for the cleaned locations. "Clarification of many questions in advance will make the approval process easier," concludes Niggemeier.

- Nag