Two projects

Complaints and questioning about wind turbines in Mühlviertel

Fiercely contested, loved and hated - for some, wind turbines are the enemy, for others they are the "statues of freedom of the energy transition"! Two projects are currently in the hot phase in the Mühlviertel. In Sandl, lawsuits will probably decide on 22 wind turbines, in Schenkenfelden the population is being called upon to sign the petition.

"Insubstantial paper", and a decision due to "political sentiment" - the Green Climate State Councillor Stefan Kaineder is fiercely opposed to the wind power ban zone announced by FP State Councillor for Nature Conservation Manfred Haimbuchner and VP State Councillor for Economic Affairs Markus Achleitner. The ordinance is currently under review and is expected to be passed by the end of March.

Legal uncertainty
Then things will get interesting: In its current version, the ordinance would stall the 250-million-euro mega project with 22 wind turbines in Sandl. Although this was submitted when the legal situation was still different. "We were asked to name a specific project," says Sandl's mayor Gerhard Neunteufel (SP). It is assumed that the operators of the wind farm, whose environmental impact assessment will not be completed before 2025, will sue.

Referendum to come
In the meantime, the next project is being prepared in the Mühlviertel. Up to eight wind turbines are to be built in Schenkenfelden. And the operators want to initiate a referendum: Supporters have until March 5 to sign. Around 200 signatures are required for a vote to be held. The result will serve as a basis for the local council to decide whether a rezoning procedure should be initiated for the required land.