Koehler Paper discontinues wind farm project after referendum
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Koehler Paper has discontinued its investment project for a wind farm on the Schwend. A majority of local residents in Oberkirch rejected the paper manufacturer's plans in a referendum. They also warned that long-term plans would have consequences for the site. Other paper mills could also participate in the wind power project.
In a statement, Koehler Paper explained that an important investment for future generations could not be realized. "It is disappointing that we were unable to convince the people of Oberkirch of the many benefits of our project for the region. Nevertheless, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has actively supported us over the past weeks and months," emphasizes Dr. Stefan Karrer, Chief Technology Officer of the Koehler Group.
Consequences remain to be seen
Very high energy costs are one of Germany's key locational disadvantages. This is one of the reasons why an increasing exodus of particularly energy-intensive industries has been observed in Baden-Württemberg in recent years. With the wind farm on the Schwend, we could have made an important contribution to making the costs of our energy requirements calculable in the long term.
Whether and what exact consequences this will have for our location in Oberkirch in 20, 30 or 40 years' time cannot be predicted at this point, explains Koehler.
Oberkirch will lose out on income
The impact on the town of Oberkirch is also not insignificant: the general public would have benefited directly from this energy transition project through rental income.
