Altmark plans wind power: Citizens should actively help shape!

Altmark plans wind power: Citizens should actively help shape!

In a gripping meeting of the regional assembly of the regional planning community Altmark, a groundbreaking concept for using wind energy was presented on Wednesday. In front of 70 attentive visitors to the Salzwedeler Kulturhaus, the meeting presented the first designs to be decided in March 2025. A public participation process will follow in which citizens and interest groups can express their opinions. Patrick Puhlmann, the chairman of the regional assembly, emphasized the need to see wind energy not only as an ecological but also as economic potential.

"We take a pioneering role all over Germany!", Puhlmann called and explained that the new approach should focus on using wind energy use. The design stipulates that 1.7 percent of the Altmark area is shown as priority areas for wind power. The criterion of the five kilometer spacing between wind turbines was abandoned in order to promote the proximity to existing infrastructures and commercial areas. "We are now looking where wind energy brings us the greatest benefit," continued Puhlmann.

A new wind blows in the Altmark

The revision of the development plan is the result of intensive discussions with numerous municipalities. Steve Kanitz, another player in this process, reported numerous inquiries from companies who want to produce energy themselves. The district councilors of both Altmark circles pursue the goal of keeping the added value through wind energy in the region and offering noticeable advantages for citizens. "The people who live near wind farms should not be disadvantaged, but benefit from discounts," said Puhlmann.

The deadline until December 31, 2027 is crucial: the Altmark must provide 1.9 percent of its area for wind turbines in order to keep control of area allocation. Otherwise threatens that up to 50 percent of the area can be used for wind turbines without a citizen participation. "We have to reach our area to secure participation," warned Puhlmann. The revised draft can already be viewed on the website of the regional planning community, and preparations for the next steps are in full swing.