Wind turbines next to the inn? Working and plans in the Schmellbach valley!

Der Gasthof im Schmellbachtal von Julian Schramm und Jessica Göthel könnte durch geplante Windräder betroffen sein.
The inn in the Schmellbach valley by Julian Schramm and Jessica Göthel could be affected by planned wind turbines. (Symbolbild/MBW)

Wind turbines next to the inn? Working and plans in the Schmellbach valley!

A look at the Schmellbach valley just opens up the beauty of nature at first glance, but the planning for wind turbines at the nearby inn prepares the operator Julian Schramm and Jessica Göthel Headzen. In 2021, the couple transformed the former Catholic leisure home into a lively gastronomy offer. But now it is worried about the continued existence of the company, because the view of wind turbines in the immediate vicinity ensures concern. According to the latest information from the Stuttgarter Nachrichten the technical committee of the city of Leinfelden-Echterdingen recently brought the plans for wind turbines to the public.

In the region, a total of 96 locations are available for wind turbines, but there are no suitable areas in Leinfelden-Echterdingen itself. The projects are planned along the border of the Böblingen side. Schramm pointed out the sentimental connection between the residents and the surrounding area more than a year ago and sees the planned wind turbines with suspicion. The distance of 150 meters to his company, which according to his assessment does not take into account the objective circumstances, gives him thinking. He fears that the wind turbines could not only have a negative impact on the situation and operation, but also economically.

distance regulations and planning

Interestingly, regional representatives assure that the legally prescribed minimum distance of 700 meters will be observed to settlements. Therefore, the Stuttgart region even plans a safer distance of 800 meters. However, there are further discussion regulations for the debate: the minimum distance to residential uses in the outdoor area is twice the system height, which is often unrealistic in practice and goes beyond a distance of 600 meters. The current planning framework (BB-20) falls below this distance, which is why a reduction in the area in the north is necessary. In the south, however, wind energy production remains possible.

In order to promote wind power expansion, other regions have also thought. In Saxony-Anhalt, for example, municipalities can benefit from financial participation in the use of wind energy in accordance with the Renewable Energies Act of MWU Sachsen-Anhalt . The operators of wind turbines are not required to involve municipalities. Nevertheless, these have the option of offering up to 0.2 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity generated, which could ultimately result in income of at least 27,500 euros per year with a typical wind turbine of 5 megawatts.

communities in focus

A look at Lower Saxony shows how municipalities can also benefit from wind power. In 2023, more electricity from renewable energies was produced for the first time than consumed, which underlines the trend towards sustainable energy generation. The Lower Saxony state parliament passed a law in spring 2024, which is intended to boost the expansion of wind energy and create direct advantages for the communities. This gives them the opportunity to generate income for social projects or education. Residents within a radius of 2.5 kilometers also benefit from the systems through direct payments and lower electricity prices, which represents an interesting perspective for many, so Niedersachsen.de .

The advances for the promotion of renewable energies are unmistakable and illustrate how important this topic is for region development. But while big plans are forged, the question remains: How close can wind turbines really stand on a catering operation before they do more harm than benefit? It remains exciting how the discussion in Leinfelden-Echterdingen continues.

Details
OrtLeinfelden-Echterdingen, Deutschland
Quellen