Wind power in Tyrol: Like a first windbread dream, falter!

Wind power in Tyrol: Like a first windbread dream, falter!

Despite the efforts to expand the wind power, the situation in Tyrol looks increasingly dark. The deputy state environmentalist Walter Tschon stated that still not a single application for approval for wind turbines has been submitted to this day. The opportunities for projects in Tyrol are therefore considered extremely low. "I think there may be a single plant in Tyrol. But certainly not a wind farm with six or seven systems," said Tschon in an interview with the APA. Currently, only about 20 locations were considered, of which there are only a handful of realistic chances of approval, such as dolomitenstadt.at reported.

The planned wind power projects are not only opposed to bureaucratic hurdles and economic considerations, the resistance of the residents also plays a significant role. Projects, such as this on the Simmeringalm in Obsteig, have been massively rejected by citizens' initiatives. In addition, previous projects in East Tyrol have shown that strong resistance on site makes implementation almost impossible. According to a study from 2023, the wind power could theoretically cover 4.9 percent of Tyrol's energy requirements, but this requires an enormous number of wind turbines.

wind power potential and funding

The Tyrolean state government emphasizes in its updated study on “wind energy potential in Tyrol” that technological progress has significantly increased the potential for wind energy in recent years. Theoretically between 800 and 1,200 gigawatt hours could be generated by wind power, which corresponds to 3.3 to 4.9 percent of the current energy requirement. The government speaks for the use of renewable energies, but it is emphasized that the energy mix, including hydropower and photovoltaics, will continue to be decisive. Governor Anton Mattle emphasized that it was time to take concrete steps to integrate wind power as part of the energy transition, and announced a bonus of up to 100,000 euros for the first wind turbine in Tyrol, such as tirol.gv.at reported.

In addition, wind measurements are to be promoted to create the basis for future projects. The state has set up a contact point for this, supported the project entrepreneurs and informs about legal framework. But the problem remains: in Tyrol's tallagen there is a lack of suitable wind potential, while suitable locations are primarily between 1,000 and 2,300 meters, which entails additional challenges, especially with regard to the development and transport of the necessary materials.