Wind power in Carinthia: Chance or Risk of Sustainable Energy?

Wind power in Carinthia: Chance or Risk of Sustainable Energy?

The discussion about renewable energies, in particular wind power, increases increasing attention in Carinthia. On January 12, a referendum will take place in which the population can decide on the future role of wind power in the region. In an interview with meinzirk.at, economist Norbert Wohlgemuth comments on the challenges and opportunities associated with the energy transition.

Wohlgemuth emphasizes that the assumption that renewable energy sources are automatically sustainable, a critical review. The so-called "fluttering current" production of wind and sun can lead to high costs, since both sun and wind energy are heavily dependent on the weather. "The sun does not send us an invoice," he explains in allusion to the famous advertising slogan of the installers, and adds that both wind and solar energy bring their price structure with it.

technological and political challenges

to achieve the given energy goals of Carinthia, which will provide for the complete changeover to renewable energies by 2030, many challenges must be mastered. Wohlgemuth also criticizes the political framework and explains that the terms are often misunderstood. With a bottleneck, one is happy if the energy supply can be ensured by conventional power plants, even if they are not considered environmentally friendly.

The split of opinions about wind power is evident, since many people have a look at both the need to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and the environmental consequences of wind turbines. Critics warn of the massive intervention in the Carinthian nature and the potential dangers for the animal world, while supporters see wind power as an indispensable step towards energy safety.

Wohlgemuth suggests that Carinthia does not necessarily have to produce 100 percent of its energy itself. A cross-border approach in which other federal states or EU countries contribute to supply could reduce energy costs and increase efficiency. "The sun is shining somewhere, the wind blows somewhere," he notes.

five fields of action for sustainable energy

The industrial association Carinthia and Kelag have stipulated in their plan that a balanced energy mix of hydropower, wind power, photovoltaics and other renewable energy sources is crucial for performance transformation. The supply should be secured in particular by using hydrogen and ensuring a solid network infrastructure.

As part of the energy transition, the need to diversify the energy sources becomes particularly important in order to remain competitive in the long term. Industry plays a crucial role in developing innovative solutions that are necessary to get the high energy costs under control.

"It remains to be seen how the people will vote on January 12," added Wohlgemuth. The examination of the topics of wind power and energy transition is of great importance for the citizens, especially in view of the different views of environmental activists, energy groups and scientists. You can find the complete article with more Details here .