The 10xHeight rule in Bavaria 

The 10H rule was passed on 12 November and came into force on 21 November 2014 in the Free State of Bavaria. It requires new wind turbines to be at least 10 times their maximum height from residential buildings.

The price of electricity for instance has substantially risen by 61% in the last 8 years.

In part due to the EEG tax which is used to subsidize renewable energies, or rather which used to subsidize them.

Indeed, the government of Bavaria is now putting the brakes on the green flux.

Two weeks ago a new law was enacted in the Free State of Bavaria, which prescribes a setback between wind turbines and dwellings, and this distance is so great that it will become practically impossible to install more wind turbines.

Only wind parks already authorized will be able to get built.

This is causing quite a bit of disarray and a lot of protests in Bavaria.

Ulrich Berls reports from Schäftlarn.

The landscape around Starnberg lake is of postcard quality, but this idyllic place is in danger.

The installation of 4 wind turbines, each to be 200 m high, is planned for this protected area.

The village of Berg wants to implant them next to its border with the village of Schäftlarn.

The inhabitants of Schäftlarn say that not only there is disregard for the protection of nature, but that their rights are being violated, quite simply.

“Why put up wind turbines in areas mostly covered in preserved mixed forests, which harbour protected animal species?”

“First we were told that the project was dead because of a red kite. Now we have several red kites, and the project is still alive. They are still trying to get it through, hastily, at any cost.”

“Yes, we want to get out of nuclear, but we won’t be able to do it with wind power, it’s important to understand that.”

The new 10H rule which was just voted by the CSU, must put an end to this discontent, precisely.

From now on, the distance to the closest dwelling must be 10 times the height of the wind turbine.

A 200 m high wind turbine will thus imply a 2 km setback.

But this rule is not applicable to the wind turbines of Schäftlarn, which were authorised before the law was passed.

The contracting authority is submerged with protests, but he resists.

Rupert Monn, mayor of Berg: “it is evident that wind turbines of this height will be visible from quite a distance, but how can we say, in our village, that we need energy, that we consume energy, but that we don’t want to know where it’s coming from.”

What angers his detractors: three years ago, the same mayor held a very different language…

“This new generation of wind turbines, of nearly 200 m in height, are monsters, that’s a fact.”

The new 10H rule causes differences of opinion about the energy transition.

Yet, during the State’s electoral campaign a year ago, the Minister-President had announced that he had reservations about wind turbines.

“I won’t let giant asparagus ruin Bavaria’s nature and its wonderful landscapes.”

Elsewhere, 50 km west of the Starnberg lake, in Fuchstal, in the district of Landsberg.

Here too, 4 giant wind turbines were planned, but the bordering village is presenting a recourse, because according to the new law the wind park would be 200 m too close.

The contracting authority is up in arms:

Erwin Karg, the mayor of Fuchstal: “We are talking about villages that have adhered to the project, that have thought it out carefully, that haven’t let an investor step in, but are doing it themselves, in other words the municipality itself is putting up wind turbines with the citizen’s participation. I am sorry, but I don’t understand.”

To install smaller wind turbines is not a solution because there is not enough wind in many parts of Southern Bavaria.

The municipality of Fuchstal has had an anemometer for several months. The result is unquestionable.

“Is that to say that, in Southern Bavaria where there is relatively little wind, wind turbines particularly tall are necessary to obtain a satisfactory performance?”

“The higher the better.”

Back to Schäftlarn. The trees have been removed where the 4 wind turbines are to stand, but the residents continue to fight anyway.

Why is it allowed to build according to the old law when the new law forbids it?

They don’t understand.

Melanie Suckfüll, association president: “The 10H rule is an important step towards the protection of human beings.

And indirectly it also protects nature, because if there are setbacks from dwellings, nature in these areas prohibited to wind turbines will be protected as well.”

Yes to getting out of nuclear. No to monstrous wind turbines.

Policy has entered a dead end.

Everybody wants the energy transition, but no one is ready to overburden the citizens, or even sacrifice the landscapes.