Anenská Studánka in Czechia's Ústí nad Orlicí region approves wind farm construction

Residents of Anenská Studánka in the Ústí nad Orlicí region today voted in a referendum to approve the construction of a wind farm in their municipality. The referendum is valid and binding, and the town council will abide by its result. Mayor Růžena Motlová (Za obec krásnější) told the Czech News Agency (ČTK).

The municipality has 136 eligible voters, 68 of whom turned out to vote. Fifty voted in favour of the wind farm, 17 against, and one ballot was invalid. At least 35 percent of voters must take part for a referendum to be valid.

NOHO Energy plans to generate wind power in Anenská Studánka. Several wind turbines already stand near the municipality; they were built there 15 years ago by S&M CZ. Residents were asked today whether they agreed to the construction of a wind turbine and the signing of a contract with the investor.

„We are absolutely delighted; the town council wanted this. The company is offering benefits for the municipality and its residents. We haven’t discussed any specific amounts yet. The company hasn’t chosen the sites either; it has three options. So I don’t yet know where it will be,“ the mayor said.

The municipality is used to wind turbines; they have been part of the landscape for years. In the past, the municipality received a one-off payment of 150,000 crowns from the investor. This time, the benefits are expected to be long-term, the mayor added. Companies usually offer annual payments to the municipal budget and cheaper electricity for residents.