Investors are pushing for photovoltaic projects in the Templin area!

Investors are pushing for photovoltaic projects in the Templin area!

Something is happening in the Templin area! On July 16th, the city council will face an important decision about five open-space photovoltaic systems. The applications from two investors, which have been submitted to the administration since March, are keeping the assembled city councilors and local citizens busy. These projects represent a major step towards renewable energy after a moratorium in 2022 put all similar projects on hold. The discussion is intense and reflects the different opinions of the city councilors, such as: SVZ reports.

The public debate about photovoltaic projects was not without results. A catalog of criteria was approved on February 26th, which formed the basis for examining the applications. All submitted requests were examined according to a checklist for compliance with the established criteria and performed well. At the table are re.venture GmbH with a 20 hectare project in Storkow and Suncatcher Holding GmbH, which is planning a total of four projects covering an area of ​​up to 20 hectares.

Planned projects in detail

• PVA Hammelspring – Storkower Damm (20 Hektar)
• PVA Hammelspring – Pedunschenluch (16,6 Hektar)
• PVA Hindenburg – südlich Bahnübergang/Hammelspring – Birkenwäldchen (15,3 Hektar)
• PVA Templin – südlich Schützenweg (13,1 Hektar)

In order to realize these projects, adjustments to the land use plans are necessary. However, opinions about the projects appear to be divided. While the majority of the urban development committee recommends the projects of re.venture GmbH because they see good potential in these projects, the building committee speaks out against passing a resolution on all five projects. Klaus Wollatz from the UBW parliamentary group expressed concerns about the economic viability and utilization of the electricity network in the Uckermark, which was supported with applause by citizens of the affected districts.

Space requirements and perspectives

But why are these systems so important? If you look at the current landscape of renewable energies, it becomes clear that, although ground-mounted photovoltaic systems require more space than rooftop systems, they also contribute significantly to the energy transition. There are currently around 32,000 hectares available as open space facilities in Germany, and the demand for these areas will continue to increase. The Renewable Energy Act 2023 aims for an installed capacity of 215 gigawatts by 2030 - which makes it clear that land consumption must be addressed, regardless of whether it is used Federal Environment Agency explained.

We need to put these area cases into context. For example, a study by the Jülich Research Center found that golf courses worldwide take up more space than ground-mounted PV systems and wind turbines combined - this shows the potential that lies in these renewable energy systems. But is the use of land for renewable energies a justifiable concept in the long term? Loud EZA Allgäu it is viewed as justifiable because the efficient use of climate-friendly electricity puts land consumption into perspective.

In conclusion, it can be said: The upcoming decisions about the photovoltaic ground-mounted systems are not only important for Templin, but also a small part of the big picture in the energy transition. With the planned expansion and the consideration of criteria for land utilization, the region may soon be on an innovative path towards a more sustainable energy future.