VG Konz wants to become self-sufficient in terms of energy balance

Conc, February 03, 2023

In the course of the energy turnaround, the municipality of Konz is increasingly focusing on renewable energies. It has set itself the goal that 100% of the electricity consumed in the VG comes from regional, regenerative generation plants. In part, this is already being done in the VG Konz by the wind turbines installed here. For example, the wind turbines in Pellingen are a major producer of electricity and there are also photovoltaic systems on the roofs of many municipal buildings. Another possibility with which a lot of electricity can be generated is solar energy in open spaces. However, since the systems are set up on grassland, this poses challenges in terms of space consumption.

For this reason, the administration has drawn up an informal concept for the protection of nature and landscape and in particular for the protection of land resources for active agriculture in order to determine a tolerable amount of open space. It has now been decided for a participation process by the municipal council. The concept assesses the area potential in the VG Konz using a variety of criteria - from ecological to economic properties.

Hard exclusion criteria are criteria that absolutely exclude an open space photovoltaic system. These are, for example, existing settlements or planned building sites. However, systems are also not possible in flood areas or on vineyards. The use of nature conservation areas and priority areas for agriculture, forestry and areas for industry and commerce is also excluded.

Soft exclusion criteria are criteria that can exclude an investment. Accordingly, it is recommended, for example, not to set up photovoltaic systems in landscape protection areas and wetlands. This also applies to areas that could be designated as landscape and nature reserves in the future. Areas intended for industry and commerce should also be excluded. In addition, the systems should disturb the landscape as little as possible.

After inspections and an examination in cooperation with a landscape planner, possible areas were identified that take these criteria into account. A map with the areas and further details are available now HERE viewable. Citizens can make suggestions. Affected authorities are also involved. Only then is the concept finally decided.

In principle, photovoltaic systems would then be possible and economical on the areas shown. In order not to overly stress the landscape, a few but large, contiguous systems (approx. 10 ha each) are to be implemented. It is planned to make an installed system capacity roughly at the level of the energy requirements of VG Konz (110 MW/year Energy Atlas 2019) possible. When implemented, this corresponds to areas totaling around 150 hectares.

The concept for controlling the use of solar energy in open spaces makes future planning easier: potential investors can easily see where open space photovoltaic systems are possible and where not. A time-consuming subsequent examination only after an expression of interest is not necessary. If a plant is to be realized, a change in the land use plan for the corresponding area and also a development plan are required. More details to come.