Carinthia on the way to the wind power revolution: People's survey is imminent!

Carinthia on the way to the wind power revolution: People's survey is imminent!

Carinthia is at a crucial turning point in the use of wind power in order to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. With a electricity consumption of over 100 percent, which comes from renewable energies, the state is already a pioneer in Austria. Nevertheless, fossil energy sources such as oil and natural gas are still responsible for almost half of the energy requirement, especially in the winter months. In order to speed up the changeover, up to 140 wind turbines could be put into operation by 2030, which could completely replace the natural gas consumption. Carinthia would not only help Carinthia to achieve climate neutrality, but also reduce the dependence on expensive electricity imports, reported click-kaernten.at .

planned wind turbine zones and referendum

The controversy around the wind turbine absorbs speed. On January 12, the population of Carinthia is asked about the construction of new wind turbines. There is currently a visibility regulation in the country that is considered to be a hindrance to the expansion. In order to advance this, the local authorities have announced a plan to create specific wind turbines. New wind farms may arise in these zones that are supposed to replace the existing regulation. A total of a maximum of 50 new wind turbines are planned, and the development is limited to seven municipalities in the northeast of Carinthia, as reported by Kleinezeitung.at . Communities such as Metnitz, Friesach and Hüttenberg are the focus, while all other 125 municipalities are excluded from wind power production.

The move towards wind power is considered necessary by many to achieve the economic and ecological goals of the country. But the planned measures also encounter resistance; Wind power opponents demand a general ban on new wind turbines. However, the authority emphasizes that compensation between economic interests and climate goals must be achieved and makes it clear that the limited construction of wind turbines is justified. Overall, the planned wind power projects could be implemented much faster through optimized approval procedures, which would significantly increase the efficiency of the energy supply in Carinthia.