Carinthians Vote to Ban Wind Turbines

Carinthians Vote to Ban Wind Turbines

Image: APA/dpa/Federico Gambarini

 

A public referendum in Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost state, saw a narrow majority voting in favour of banning wind turbines, with 51.55% backing the proposal and 48.45% opposing it.

Turnout was low, with only 34.88% of eligible voters participating. In total, 76,527 people supported the ban, while 71,935 voted against it, according to the state government, led by the Social Democrats (SPÖ) in coalition with the People’s Party (ÖVP).

The result is not legally binding.

The referendum asked: “To protect Carinthia’s nature (including its landscape), should the construction of further wind turbines on mountains and alpine pastures in Carinthia be banned by state law?”

The vote was pushed by the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) and some representatives from the Team Carinthia party, with the FPÖ running a strong campaign in favour of the ban. Opposing the proposal were the governing parties, environmental groups, scientific organisations and the Catholic Church.

Governor Peter Kaiser (SPÖ) said the tight result showed there was no clear agreement: “The people of Carinthia have yet to form a clear consensus on the use of wind energy, which in select areas could make Carinthia more energy-independent and secure.” He added: “Carinthia needs a balanced energy mix that secures jobs and reduces our reliance on expensive nuclear imports.”

Divided Views Across the Region

Carinthia currently has 14 wind turbines in operation, with another 32 either approved or awaiting approval. These 46 projects will not be affected by the referendum. A recent zoning plan limits future turbines to the northeast and east, covering just 0.26% of the state’s area.

Despite this, support for the ban was strongest in areas where no turbines were planned. In the western districts of Feldkirchen, Hermagor and Spittal an der Drau, 62.11% voted in favour, with the municipality of Krems showing the highest support at 86.1%.

By contrast, opposition was most pronounced in Neuhaus, close to the proposed wind turbine zones, where 69.3% voted against the ban. In Klagenfurt, 63.1% opposed the proposal, and Villach also saw a majority of 52.6% voting against it.

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