Kačice Split Over Wind Turbines: Referendum to Settle Dispute on Municipal Election Day

In the village of Kačice, a dispute over the construction of a wind farm will be settled by referendum, held on the same day as the municipal elections. The project has been under discussion for nearly three years: in June 2024, residents backed the idea in a survey, after which the municipality signed a planning agreement with NOHO Energy. However, some residents demanded a full referendum, and the village leadership agreed.

"In Kačice we take a systematic approach to environmental care, and I see renewable energy as our responsibility to future generations, as well as a benefit for the municipal budget. From the very start, we opted for maximum transparency," said village mayor Němeček.

Opponents Worried About the Landscape

The project is opposed by the independent candidates' association "Free Citizens." They are not against modernization or renewable energy as such but believe a more suitable option would be, for example, installing solar panels on municipal buildings.

"We reject the project primarily because we consider it a matter of principle whether such an intervention in the landscape is acceptable for our village in the long term. We don't want to make a decision based solely on the promised financial benefit," the association's representatives said.

In their view, residents should learn the project's terms, contractual obligations, costs and risks before the referendum takes place. They point out that neighboring villages could also feel the effects — noting that neighboring Libušín, according to them, commissioned an expert assessment before taking a position.

"We will respect the residents' decision, whatever it turns out to be. Naturally, we expect the same respect for the referendum results from the current village leadership," the association emphasized.

The mayor, for his part, rejects claims that people are voting out of fear. "I would like to ask my fellow villagers to make a rational decision based on facts, and not give in to unfounded scaremongering," Němeček responded.

Project Undergoing Environmental Impact Review

The original version of the project envisaged the construction of seven wind turbines, each 220 meters tall. Following negotiations between the municipality and the investor, the number was reduced to five, with a maximum height of 180 meters.

The regional authority has ruled that the project must undergo a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure. A biological survey is currently underway in the area of the future wind farm, focusing on nesting sites and migration corridors for birds and bats. Particular attention is being paid to the white stork.

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Source: novinky.cz