Dispute over wind power: Aalen is left out, Heubach and Gmünd win!

Dispute over wind power: Aalen is left out, Heubach and Gmünd win!

Since the meeting on July 18, 2025, carried out by the regional association Ostwürttemberg, the region has been debated intensively in the region about wind power areas. The focus is on areas in Langert, Utzenberg and the Rechberger book. While positive decisions were made for the towns of Heubach and Schwäbisch Gmünd, Aalen cannot look forward to any new wind power areas. The administration had proposed to delete Langert as a priority area, and this request only found the approval of 8 out of 37 members when voting.

"There is something", comment on many citizens: Inside the decision around Langert, where numerous critical voices have risen from the Aalen City Council. One goal is clear for this region: Baden-Württemberg wants to be climate-neutral by 2040. In order to achieve this ambitious project, 2% of the regional area for renewable energies will soon be shown, with 1.8% for wind energy and 0.2% for photovoltaic systems, so Schwäbische Post .

wind power planning and challenges

For the use of wind energy in the East Württemberg region, a clear course was already set with prior planning. The regional association and the state government had already agreed on a comprehensive planning offensive at the end of 2022, the aim of which is to develop a draft list by the end of 2023 and a legally binding statute by September 2025. Currently, 3,223 hectares, about 1.5% of the total area, are currently defined as priority areas for wind energy. To meet all requirements, around 0.3%, which corresponds to at least 650 hectares, must be added, the Ostwürttemberg .

The discussion about wind power is no coincidence: the pressure pressure was increased by legal requirements, such as the Wind area Needs Act and the Climate Protection Act. "We have to use wind -based areas to achieve our goal, but also to protect sensitive landscapes," emphasizes the regional association. A total of 30 areas were identified in the current area planning, 18 of which are considered suitable. According to statements, 16 areas remain that are now to be examined.

look into the future

An exciting time is imminent! It is planned to further expand the land for wind power and the use of photovoltaics is also progressing. In addition to the wind power areas, open spaces for photovoltaic systems should also be taken into account. There is enormous potential here: the roof area PV potential in the region is around 88%. In order to advance the expansion, restrictions and obligations for the installation of PV on new buildings were anchored in the new climate protection law.

The citizens: inside are called up to actively contribute to the discussion and raise their voices. Many of the open questions could be clarified at the official hearing of public participation, which is expected to take place in early 2024. "Cooperation with specialist authorities, municipalities and interest groups is at the top," assure those responsible. With a good hand and a lot of foresight, the plan should be completed by September 2025 without further hearing.