July 26, 2013
Estonia

IRL politician seeking to establish size limits on wind turbines

Estonian Public Broadcasting | 26 July 2013 | err.ee

Veteran IRL politico Tõnis Palts has drafted a motion to limit the height and power of wind turbines on the western islands, saying too many of the eyesores could threaten the tourist industry.

Parts told uudised.err.ee on Thursday that tourism is practically the only sustainable industry on the islands of Muhu, Vormsi, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, and tourists could keep away if the islands become full of large turbines.

The bill, which would limit turbines to 30 meters and 20KW, was rejected by the Cabinet at its weekly meeting yesterday, but Parts said that he expects Parliament to back his initiative.

He added that the vote was not unanimous and that the “against” arguments, including not wanting to make the islands an exception, were weak, blaming coalition partner the Reform Party for shooting down the bill.

Regional Affairs Minister Siim Kiisler, also IRL, lent his support to the idea, saying that with current technology, turbines as tall as 250 meters could be constructed.

Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, of the Reform Party, said that the problem was that the bill sought to amend the Nature Conservation Act, but building limits are covered by the Planning Act.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/07/26/irl-politician-seeking-to-establish-size-limits-on-wind-turbines/