State forests are trying to build wind farms with a full capacity of 240 MW in the economical forests. The project, although inactive in the planning phase, raises quite a few emotions. Pilot investments are to be located in the forests of Skwierzyna, Sława Śląsk and Nowa Sól. The plan is to place wind turbines up to 250 metres high, which would operate above the tree crowns. However, it is worth noting that the windmills they plan to plant LPs are not safe for the sticks. And what is more, the propaganda of the "green enrgy" continues, and with certainty it will proceed for any time due to the fact that the Polish and the Euro-colossal regulation is ecological stunning.
The project, although launched already in 2017, under the regulation of the United Right, is only now beginning to take on real shape. According to electoral service.biz, this is part of the “Las Energie” programme, 1 of the key improvement projects of the State Forests, which is intended to support the energy transformation of the organization.
Controversy around construction
The planned investments met with criticism. PiS MP Dariusz Matecki, in an interview on Radio Maryja, pointed out the possible negative effects on the environment. "Wind turbines up to 250 metres advanced are expected to emergence above Polish forests. To put 1 – you gotta cut the full forest around, dig a large gap and pour hundreds of tons of concrete into it" – emphasized Matecki.
The State Forests calm down that in the close future there is no talk of dense equipment entering the forest. The task is presently at the phase of planning and collecting information. Even if the investment moves, it will be a substance of respective years.
The function of the Danish investor
According to Wnp.pl, the Danish investor – Eurowind Energy will play a key function in the project. It is he who is to finance and build wind farms in the areas of Šwierzyna, Silesia and Nowa Sól. Up to 10 6-7 MW turbines are planned for each location. Turbines and shovels will be installed on masts with a tallness of 250 metres, which will guarantee their operation at least 50 metres above the crowns of trees.
The State Forests act as a partner in this project. As electoral.biz indicates, the organization thus acquires know-how regarding the construction of windmills in forests, and fragments of forests are leased to a Danish company through a Polish company.
Effects on Nature
There is no deficiency of concern about the environmental impact of wind farms. Critics point to the possible impact of installations on birds and bats that may be affected by turbines. Experts call for detailed environmental impact assessments before the investment is approved.
Chance or threat?
The task of wind farms in economical forests is undoubtedly an ambitious undertaking. It can contribute to the country's energy transition, but raises serious doubts about the impact on nature. It is worth keeping track of developments, due to the fact that the future of this task may be crucial for the Polish energy sector and the environment.
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Windmills in the woods. The pilot programme of the State Forests is being launched
