"No implementation"

After outcry: rejection of large PV system in Graz

The PV park should have been built on this meadow in Andritz.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

The plans to build a large PV system on a meadow next to Andritzer Kirschenallee have caused a stir. Now the Graz city coalition has made it clear: the project will no longer be realized in this period. However, a second PV park is to be built nearby.

There are big plans in Graz to generate as much renewable energy as possible itself. One core project is located in the northern district of Andritz: in Kirschenallee (between the golf course and the DIY store), solar power is to be generated on an area of 7.4 hectares in future - the same applies to 3.4 hectares a little further north in front of the Anglo-American sports facility ("an der Kanzel").

The first plant in particular recently caused a stir, as many Andritz residents would use the meadow as a local recreation area. The ÖVP drummed up opposition to the plans - even though it had approved the PV master plan a year ago. The chairman of the nature conservation advisory board also expressed his opposition, while the climate protection advisory board spoke out in favor of implementation.

No majority in the municipal council
On Thursday, however, the coalition itself pulled the ripcord. The project in Kirschenallee will not be realized, a majority in the municipal council is not possible. However, it is emphasized that the area is not a local recreation area, "but a designated water protection area". There is also talk of "political scaremongering", which has no basis whatsoever. 

"The proposals made so far for implementation in the Andritz water protection area are not sufficient for a positive decision. When in doubt, we will opt for nature," said Green Deputy Mayor Judith Schwentner. KPÖ City Councillor for Finance Manfred Eber also continues to speak of a sensible project: "The fact is: if you want independent, cheap and green electricity, you have to act. This site would generate almost a tenth of the output of the Graz PV master plan - there are no comparable sites in the city."

"Project cannot be implemented like this"
Doris Kampus, head of the Graz Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) and former provincial councillor, has been head of the Andritz district for a week now. She has identified skepticism, uncertainty and resistance among the population: "That's why it's clear to me that this project in Andritz cannot be implemented in this way."

The second, smaller PV park "an der Kanzel", however, is to be realized. Other projects on roofs and other suitable areas are also to be driven forward.