Investor plans four wind turbines near Branná in Czechia; council to decide

Meridian Nová energie plans to build four wind turbines with a total capacity of 24 MW near Branná in the Šumperk area. The project is expected to be discussed by the council in the spring. Branná Mayor Martin Alexa (SNK Branná) told the Czech News Agency (ČTK) today. In a poll last autumn, 73 of the 100 Branná residents who took part voted in favour of building the four wind turbines. Branná has around 220 eligible voters.

Meridian Nová energie wants to erect the wind turbines around Suchý vrch in the northern part of Branná’s cadastral area. Each turbine, manufactured by Vestas, is to have a capacity of six MW, a height of 149 metres and blades 75 metres long. According to the mayor, Meridian has offered the municipality a one-off financial contribution of one million crowns and an annual payment of 300.000 crowns for each wind turbine. The offer also includes a contribution of 6000 crowns towards energy costs for residents whose permanent residence is in Branná, to be paid once a year.

The wind turbines have a planned operating life of 20 years, so the municipality could receive a total of 60 million crowns, according to estimates, which it could invest in its assets over time. According to the mayor, Branná’s leadership will still need to review the draft agreement with the investor together with lawyers, after which the council is expected to vote on the project.

Six wind turbines with a total capacity of six MW have been operating near Ostružná in the Jeseník area since 1994. Two more wind turbines stand near Kopřivná in the Šumperk area, and three turbines operate near the municipality of Kouty nad Desnou, also in the Šumperk area.

In recent years, investors have focused mainly on the foothills of the Nízký Jeseník highlands. Two wind turbines, each with a capacity of 850 kilowatts, generate electricity between the municipalities of Hraničné Petrovice and Jívová. A wind farm comprising nine towers with a total capacity of 18 megawatts rises near Lipina. An investor has been building five more turbines with a total capacity of ten megawatts near Jívová since last year. In some municipalities, the projects have met with opposition from residents. Moravský Beroun will hold a referendum in the summer on a proposed project to build 17 wind turbines.