Hubert Aiwanger, the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs and leader of the Free Voters party, faced opposition during a visit to the town of Marktl in Upper Bavaria. Activist Rainer Harböck, from the citizen initiative “Gegenwind Altötting,” received the only applause upon arrival, as residents were concerned about a proposed wind park project in the area. The Bavarian government, in collaboration with the CSU and Free Voters coalition, has relaxed regulations to facilitate the development of wind power in the region, targeting the Bavarian State Forest for new wind turbine locations. The planned wind park in Altötting aims to provide electricity for 150,000 households and support the energy needs of nearby industrial areas.
Marktl Mayor Benedikt Dittmann organized a community meeting at the town’s community center to facilitate dialogue on the controversial wind park project. Opposition to the project has been mounting, with several neighboring communities expressing concerns and actively campaigning against it through signature collections and referendums. In the nearby town of Mehring, residents voted against hosting wind turbines on their land, leading to a reduction in the number of planned turbines from 40 to 27. Residents of Marktl are scheduled to vote on the project in June, with tensions running high between supporters and opponents.
During the community meeting in Marktl, where around 350 residents gathered, Hubert Aiwanger delivered a diplomatic speech advocating for wind power while acknowledging the concerns of the citizens. He emphasized the necessity of accepting a certain level of wind energy in Bavaria and urged residents to consider the benefits of the proposed project. Despite facing some criticism from the audience, Aiwanger remained composed and reiterated the importance of finding a compromise between energy needs and environmental concerns. The community meeting provided a platform for residents to voice their questions and apprehensions regarding the wind park project.
The discussion at the community meeting highlighted the division among residents, with some expressing skepticism about wind power technology and potential environmental impacts, while others questioned the economic viability of the project. Representatives from the Bavarian State Forest addressed concerns about potential damages and water supply issues, emphasizing the economic benefits of wind energy for the region. Despite efforts to address residents’ concerns, the proposed wind park project continues to face opposition from a significant portion of the community, raising doubts about its future prospects.
As the community meeting drew to a close, Aiwanger emphasized the importance of reaching a fair compromise and called on residents to consider the benefits of the proposed wind park project. He warned that rejecting the project would not eliminate the possibility of future wind energy initiatives without local input. The meeting concluded with a sense of uncertainty about the future of the wind park project in Marktl, with a final decision expected to be made through a community vote. The outcome of the vote will determine the fate of the project and shape the future of wind energy development in the region.
