Resistance in Kastorf: Local residents are against Solarpark plans!

Resistance in Kastorf: Local residents are against Solarpark plans!

in Kastorf, a small community in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a planned solar park on an area of ​​104 hectares ensures considerable unrest among residents. The residents have already started a petition against the project, which has collected almost 250 signatures. This is by no means an isolated case in the country, because in other regions, such as Giengen in the Heidenheim district, citizens' initiatives are formed against similarly stored projects that denounce space consumption.

Mayor Sebastian Henke informed that the project is still in the idea phase and the decision of the Knorrendorf municipal council, which voted with 5 to 3 votes for the development plan, was primarily based on the fact that more information is required for future financial decisions. However, the residents express concerns that range from the quality of the soil, its historical importance to the potential impairment of their visual axes on the castle and the forest.

concerns of the residents

The concern for the soil quality, which experts rated 54, is the focus of the discussions. The fact that the farmer who wants to use the area also comes from a neighboring community also provides additional fears regarding the municipal trade tax revenue. Many residents fear the loss of value of their land, since the planned area is only 300 meters behind the first houses.

The uniform opinion of the residents is also particularly painful that these discussions could endanger the cohesion within the community. These loads are not only specific for Kastorf; Similar situations experience people in Giengen, where a citizens' initiative under the direction of Michael Zirn criticizes the area consumption of a planned solar park, while alternative opportunities for photovoltaic use are shown on unused roof areas in logistics buildings.

agri-photovoltaic as a solution?

A possible way out could be the concept of Agri-Photovoltaic (AGRI-PV). This method enables simultaneous use of agricultural areas for electricity generation and for agriculture, whereby a maximum of 15% of the area is used for solar systems. This would mean that 85% of the area for agricultural use was preserved and these areas could even be promoted with funding.

AGRI PV systems also offer advantages such as protection against extreme weather conditions and the possibility of diversifying the income currents for farmers. According to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, such innovative projects could serve both climate protection and the economic use of agricultural areas.

whether in Kastorf or Giengen, it is clear that the challenges in the discussion about solar parks are diverse and require a well-founded examination of the needs of the residents and the requirements for environmental and climate protection. The willingness to dialogue of the decision -makers will be of great importance in the coming weeks to take the concerns of citizens seriously and to find solutions that are both ecologically and economically viable.