The regional government in the German state of Bavaria is relaxing in certain circumstances the so-called ’10H’ rule for onshore wind farms, which restricts the distance between the turbines and the nearest settlement.
Under the 10H rule the minimum distance between a turbine and the nearest settlement must be 10 times the height of the turbine.
However, the distance will now be 1000 metres for turbines to be built in certain areas, such as along motorways and major roads, forests and industrial sites.
In all other areas the 10H rule will still apply.
The German Wind Energy Association (BWE) welcomed the decision.
“The change is a first step in the right direction and the first positive news for wind energy in Bavaria in years,” BWE said.
However, it called for all general distance regulations in federal states to be abolished as quickly as possible if the federal government wants to achieve its renewable energy expansion goals.
Bavaria Prime Minister Markus Soder (pictured) said: “This is our response to the Ukraine war and climate change.
“For wind power, 10H still applies as the basis, but with clear exceptions: the minimum distance is then 1000 metres.
“As a result, up to 800 new wind turbines will be possible and around 2% of the state area will be designated.
“What is important here is fair distribution and citizen participation.”