Czech wind farm project near Vojtěchov does not require EIA assessment, regional authority says

The construction of a wind farm near Vojtěchov in the Chrudim area cannot have a significant impact on the environment and is not subject to an EIA assessment. The Pardubice Regional Authority so decided, ČTK learned from the Pardubice Region’s official noticeboard. NOHO Energy can now apply for a zoning decision and a building permit. The company wants to build five wind turbines, some of which could be the tallest in Czechia. It plans to bring them into operation by the end of 2028.

The total installed capacity of the five turbines could reach 36 megawatts (MW). They would be located east of Vojtěchov, outside the built-up area. The proposed turbines range in height from 112 to 169 metres, with blades 81 to 87.5 metres long. There are two options for connecting the wind farm to the distribution grid, depending on the distribution system operator’s requirements. The first involves a 5.5-kilometre underground cable connection to the substation in Hlinsko; the second would connect it via its own substation to an extra-high-voltage line several hundred metres away.

Construction of a single wind turbine, from excavation and pouring the concrete foundations to positioning and assembling all the components, takes approximately four months. Before final approval, it will have to undergo a six-month trial operation.

Residents of Vojtěchov supported the project in a survey. The municipal council subsequently approved an agreement to support the plan. Vojtěchov has also agreed with the investor on discounted electricity prices for residents and annual contributions to the municipality.

NOHO Energy expects to begin construction by the end of 2026. The turbines are expected to enter operation by the end of 2028.

A wind turbine with a capacity of up to 6.5 megawatts, planned by another investor, PV Consulting, is to be built in the cadastral area of Františky, which falls under the municipality of Krouna. It is about nine kilometres from Vojtěchov, and residents approved the project in a referendum.

NOHO Energy also plans to build wind turbines near Anenská Studánka in the Ústí nad Orlicí area. Two turbines, 119 to 132 metres high, are planned north of the village, with another two, 90 to 110 metres high, to the south. A ten-kilometre underground line will connect them to the distribution grid.