Referendum in Maletín could block more wind turbines in the Šumperk region

Residents of Maletín in the Šumperk region will vote in a local referendum on Sunday, 28 June, on whether the municipality should use all available means to prevent the construction of additional wind turbines in its territory. ČTK obtained the information from the Interior Ministry’s database. The plebiscite in Maletín will be held due to the planned construction of three additional wind turbines, which are to follow on from the three turbines commissioned last year.

In the referendum, Maletín residents will answer three questions. In the first, they will express their view on whether the municipal council should use all legal means within the municipality’s independent powers, including amending the land-use plan, to prevent the construction of additional wind turbines in the municipality.

The second question concerns the submission of Maletín’s comments and objections in all administrative proceedings concerning the construction of wind turbines in the municipality. The third question asks whether people agree that the municipality of Maletín should not enter into any agreements establishing building rights, leases or other rights to land it owns for the purpose of constructing or operating wind turbines.

Three wind turbines built by TCN energie began operating in Maletín last year. The company wants to install another three there. Since the beginning of last year, Maletín has had a joint venture agreement with the investor for the construction and operation of the turbines. “This business model will generate annual revenue for the municipality of approximately CZK 3.5 million from each tower,” the company said previously. However, some Maletín residents oppose the construction of the turbines, which is why a referendum will be held.

Maletín mayor Miroslav Flášar (Green Party) told ČTK today that the agreement with TCN Energie had been concluded by the previous municipal leadership. The local authority is therefore now in a difficult position, as it must honour the contractual terms while also respecting the outcome of the June referendum, which may go against the project to build additional wind turbines. Maletín could face penalties for failing to comply with the contractual arrangements. “In my view, the referendum should have been held before the agreement was signed, as was the case in Hynčina,” Flášar said.

In neighbouring Hynčina, TCN energie wanted to erect up to five wind turbines. The municipality was to hold a stake in the joint venture and would have received at least CZK 18 million a year in revenue from operating the turbines. However, Hynčina residents voted against the construction of wind turbines in the municipality’s cadastral area in a February referendum. The vote is valid and binding on the municipality.