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The concept of the community wind farm is intended to involve the local population in the planning. What has already been successfully implemented many times in Germany is now also being planned in Escholzmatt LU.
In Switzerland, wind power projects are repeatedly blocked or at least delayed due to objections from private individuals or organizations. The most recent example: In the case of the Bel Coster wind farm near Vallorbe VD, the Federal Court decided that additional clarifications regarding environmental compatibility must be carried out as part of the usage planning.
In order to better involve the local population and bring critics on board, the concept of citizen wind farms was developed in Germany. The idea behind it: communities, businesses, residents and landowners set up a local company that plans and operates one or more wind turbines. You decide – of course within the framework of the planning regulations – about locations, types of systems and the duration of operation. And they themselves benefit from cheaper electricity, from orders for local businesses and often from a dividend from the wind farm’s income.
Role model: Germany
Although the large wind farms in the sea are mostly operated by the large electricity companies, a large proportion of the new wind farms being built on land in Germany are based on the concept of community wind farms. Particularly in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, where the proportion of wind power is highest, almost exclusively community wind farms are now being built.
“Citizen energy is oriented towards common good goals: behind it is the idea of self-determined, participatory and sustainable economic activity,” This is how the German specialist agency for onshore wind energy puts it. Community energy “plays a crucial role in the implementation of a socially responsible energy transition and is therefore of utmost socio-political relevance.”
There are also similar projects in Switzerland. Sponsor Georg Persigehl, for example, who has already built 500 wind turbines together with other partners in Germany, is planning a wind farm with three wind turbines on the Höch-Turner-Bock hill range at 1200 meters above sea level in Escholzmatt LU with his Windenergie Schweiz AG. “We sat at the kitchen table with all the residents,” says Persigehl on the Turner, looking out at the surrounding farms. Everyone would be included, concerns would be taken seriously and, if possible, taken into account in the planning.
Legend:
This is what the planned wind turbines (top left and right) above Escholzmatt would look like according to Windenergie Schweiz AG.
Visualization of Wind Energy Switzerland AG
The responsible local councilor of Escholzmatt-Marbach, Jeannette Riedweg, is convinced of the concept: “This is a generational project. You have to involve people and provide them with transparent information; this is the only way to implement a project like this.” Meanwhile, in the village, she is more likely to be asked when it will finally start than to express fundamental criticism of the project, emphasizes the centrist politician.