Public Consultation Begins on Wind Turbine Locations in Berlin

Tue 10th Jun, 2025

Today marks the commencement of a public consultation regarding the proposed locations for wind turbines across Berlin. The Senate has identified eight potential areas, but the initiative has already sparked significant criticism from various stakeholders, including local residents and environmental organizations.

One of the contentious proposals includes placing wind turbines on the Rieselfelder in Berlin-Spandau. Local government officials and citizen groups have voiced strong opposition, deeming the construction of wind turbines in these areas unacceptable. The Berlin chapter of the Nature Conservation Union (NABU) has also raised concerns, emphasizing the ecological importance of specific sites such as the former Gatower Rieselfelder, which are vital for biodiversity and public recreation.

NABU's leadership has stressed the need to protect sensitive ecological zones like Grunewald, Gatower Rieselfelder, and Jungfernheide, arguing that industrial sites would be more appropriate for wind energy development. They have criticized the lack of consideration for converting commercial zones into wind energy areas, suggesting that it is unreasonable to sacrifice protected habitats for turbine installation.

The public consultation will run from June 10 until July 11, allowing residents to express their views on the proposed sites for wind energy development. This effort aligns with Germany's federal obligation to designate zones for new wind farms, with Berlin required to designate 0.25 percent of its land area for this purpose by 2027.

Among the eight proposed locations are areas such as Gatow, Jungfernheide, Teufelsberg, and Grunewald. The Senate has made details of these sites available through maps issued by the relevant authorities. While the NABU supports the transition to renewable energy sources, they emphasize that this should not come at the expense of threatened species and protected habitats. They have pointed out that wind turbines can significantly impact local wildlife, particularly birds of prey such as the buzzard and the red kite.

Local opposition is also evident from Spandau residents, who are concerned about the potential destruction of forested areas to accommodate the turbines. For instance, plans to install wind turbines near Tegel Airport have raised alarms about deforestation. Local environmental officials have remarked that the removal of trees cannot be taken lightly, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of ecological impacts.

In contrast, the district of Pankow has expressed interest in integrating wind turbines into its local planning, though it is also resistant to the proposed sites. Meanwhile, Potsdam is considering placing turbines on the outskirts of the city, adjacent to the boundaries of Spandau, which has further fueled regional tensions regarding site selection.

As the public consultation unfolds, it remains to be seen how feedback from residents and environmental groups will influence the final decisions regarding wind energy development in Berlin.


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