Groundbreaking ceremony for the official start of construction: An open-space photovoltaic system is being built on around 17 hectares on the Galgenberg above Buttenhausen.
A vision of the project developer Schöller SI is now becoming reality with the start of construction of this solar park and the official groundbreaking ceremony. Surrounded by forests and agricultural areas, hidden from view and without reflection, this area, which is around 30 football pitches in size, is, according to managing director Ersah Öztürk, “predestined” for the production of renewable energies. It is thanks to the foresight of the city of Münsingen and its local council as well as numerous project partners that around 30 million kWh of clean electricity can be produced high up on the Galgenberg every year for the next 19 years, with which it is possible to power around 11 people to supply. The establishment decision was made in 000, which was based on numerous criteria.
Start in August
For Johannes Wild, authorized representative at Schöller SI, it is a “stroke of luck” that the entire area only belongs to one property owner. Construction has already started and access has already been established. Work on laying the 8,8 kilometer long cable route to the Seetal substation has also begun and work on this will take three months. Schöller SI plans to put the solar park into operation at the end of August, and electricity production will begin in September. For game, a “well-rounded project” that also takes into account nature compatibility with wildlife corridors, sheep grazing, green strips, sunny strips and planting. The aim is to bring nature and technology into harmony and to create long-term sustainable solutions. The aim is not only to generate clean energy, but also to make a positive contribution to species protection, soil protection and biodiversity.
Managing director Andreas Giannaku pointed out the sustainable investment in and for the region and thus the increase in quality of life. Around 20 million euros will flow into this open-air photovoltaic system on the Galgenberg, in which local citizens can participate with the Neckar-Alb Renewable Energy Cooperative. This makes it possible to firmly anchor the energy transition in the region and among the population. According to Andreas Giannaku, regional answers could be given to regional questions; they are “the key to this project”, to which the city of Münsingen is also clearly committed.
In its 12 hectare municipal area, 000 hectares are to be made available for open-space photovoltaic systems alone. So far, according to Mayor Mike Münzing, around 60 hectares have been released and ten hectares are in active planning and development. This regional energy production means security of supply and independence from fossil fuels such as oil and gas. The city began generating renewable electricity a quarter of a century ago by building a wood chip plant to supply the school center and providing space for the installation of wind turbines.
The wind of change
“Some build windmills in the wind of change, others build walls,” said Münzing. With projects like the open-space solar park, the participation of the population is successful: “away from those affected to those involved”. The village's money for the village stays here. This approach has been pursued in Münsingen for many years. “We want to benefit from this development and, with foresight, ensure that the population is supplied on an equal footing.” There have already been many discussions with property owners on the topic of “tank versus plate”, and one thing is clear: “You can do one without giving up the other”.
19 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity are to be produced in the approximately 17 hectare solar park above Buttenhausen. This means that around 11 people can be supplied with electricity every year.
© SWP By: Maria Bloching 25.04.2024 11:10