Six best practice examples for a successful local wind energy transition
Wind energy plays a key role in the transformation of the energy system towards 100% renewable energies and thus for future-oriented development in Germany – politically, economically, and socially. However, for many people, the expansion of wind energy in their local area means change and an intrusion into their everyday living space. This generates resistance, ranging from the formation of citizens’ initiatives to lawsuits against the construction of wind turbines.
This is where WindRat comes in with its project “Windwende: Hands-on experience”: We want to inform, motivate, and support local decision-makers and citizens to actively promote and support the environmentally friendly expansion of wind energy in their region.
Best practice: Short films for the wind energy revolution
Six short films from various regions in Germany show where politicians, businesses, and citizens have been able to overcome local obstacles and problems together. In these examples, involving the local population has made it possible to gain acceptance for wind energy projects, successfully plan and implement projects, and improve the quality of life for the common good—a ray of hope for the energy transition!
The project is funded by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU).
All videos were created by Die Grüne Filmagentur from Berlin. Thank You”
Coesfeld in the wind – A community transformed: Letter Bruch wind farm, North Rhine-Westphalia
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More InformationThe Coesfeld area is home to one of the largest wind farms in North Rhine-Westphalia. The initiative did not come from companies or politicians, but from local farmers. When it comes to local acceptance of a wind energy project—which is often highly controversial among the population—there could hardly be a better prerequisite for a wind farm. Nevertheless, the operators took further steps to increase acceptance in Coesfeld and the surrounding area: all residents should benefit from the wind farm.
Community power for everyone – The Dardesheim Story: Druiberg Wind Farm, Saxony-Anhalt
What does wind energy mean to you? “Creating added value in the region. Period.” It’s that simple for Thomas Radach, technical director of Windpark Druiberg GmbH & Co. KG. The citizens of Dardesheim benefit from low electricity rates, local jobs, trade tax revenue for the community—and, last but not least, financial support for the local city orchestra, which has won the German championship five times. After more than 25 years of operation, no one here doubts the added value of the wind farm.
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More InformationDassow breaks new ground: Schönberg wind farm, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
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More InformationA wind farm can only operate with the support of the community—especially those who see the turbines every day from their kitchen windows. However, legal frameworks can influence whether or not there is tailwind among the population. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has set the right course here with its Citizen and Community Participation Act. Citizen wind farms such as the one in Schönberg/Dassow are already reaping the benefits. .
Against the wind: The Fuchstal wind farm, Bavaria
Bavaria is not exactly a model wind energy state. But even here, there are pioneers who have prevailed against the political headwinds of the last ten years. One example is Bürgerwindkraft Fuchstal GmbH & Co. KG, which has been operating a total of seven wind turbines since 2023, generating three times as much electricity as the municipality needs. And that’s despite the fact that the citizens were initially opposed to the project. How Mayor Erwin Karg pushed through his wind farm and why everyone is now satisfied.
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More InformationWind of change: Sulz am Neckar and Dornhan get started, Baden-Württemberg
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More InformationWhen it comes to the topic of “wind in the forest,” nature conservation initiatives quickly prick up their ears. But does wind power in forests really fuel species extinction? Not at all: the municipalities of Sulz am Neckar and Dornhan show how wind power can also work in harmony with nature in forests. Through skillful dialogue with local nature conservation initiatives, it is even possible to get the population on board and significantly strengthen acceptance of wind power in forests.
Wind power by consensus: The Wilstedt South wind farm, Lower Saxony
Als der erste Windpark in Wilstedt 2008 in Betrieb ging, fühlten sich manche Menschen belästigt – und viele beunruhigt. Auch von Kampfbegriffen wie dem gefürchteten „Infraschall“. Die Betreiber des Windparks reagierten auf die Sorgen der Menschen mit einer Studie, die nicht nur Bedenken zerstreuen, sondern auch technische Verbesserungen anregen konnte. Nur im Dialog auf Augenhöhe lässt sich Vertrauen auf- und Ängste abbauen.
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