Rohov residents in Czechia approve wind turbine construction in referendum

Residents of Rohov, in the Opava region, on Friday approved the construction of up to five wind turbines in the municipality's cadastral area in a local referendum. A total of 189 people, or 39.8 percent of the 475 eligible voters, took part in the referendum. Of these, 128, or 67.7 percent, voted in favour of the turbines, 60 were against and one vote was invalid. The referendum is therefore valid and its results are binding on the municipality. This follows from the voting results published on the municipal website.

A local referendum is valid if at least 35 percent of eligible voters participate. Its result is binding on councillors if turnout is at least 35 percent, provided that it is supported by a majority of participants and by at least 25 percent of all eligible voters.

Mayor Roman Šušolík (Rohov for All) told CTK that he sees the result of the local referendum as a clearly expressed will of the residents and that the municipality will proceed in line with its outcome. However, he said it was still premature to discuss negotiations leading to the actual construction.

"First, the result of the referendum will be officially discussed at the next meeting of the council, which will adopt the necessary resolutions. Only on the basis of these steps can the municipality continue negotiations with the investor – always in a way that respects the views of residents, complies with legal regulations and protects the interests of the municipality," Šušolík said.

According to him, the municipality has registered interest from several parties.

The mayor told CTK on Friday that investors are considering building a maximum of five wind turbines in the municipality, each with planned capacity of between five and seven megawatts. Rohov could receive substantial financial contributions to its budget, which it could use for costly construction projects such as the renovation and expansion of the municipal sewerage network or repairs to local roads and buildings.

Šušolík said the company is offering the municipality a one-off payment based on the total number of turbines built, as well as regular annual payments for each year of operation. "There is also the possibility of sharing electricity with supply points in our municipality's cadastral area. Last but not least, they are offering us financial support for municipal bodies, institutions and associations through foundations," the mayor said.

The municipality first asked residents about the construction of the turbines in a poll. Although people expressed their approval, few responded. This prompted councillors to call a local referendum.