Already at the beginning of the year, there was news that there will be a wind farm “Valpene” in Talsi region. There are different opinions about the project, but when polling residents and collecting signatures on whether the wind park is necessary, the majority supported the project.
When communicating with the representative of the Valpene Wind SIA Valpene wind park developer Olava Ķieci, we find out that the development of the project is taking its course. “We can be proud of significant achievements that pave the way for the successful implementation of the project,” says O. Ķiecis. “In August, we submitted a final report for the Environmental Impact Assessment to the State Office of Environmental Supervision, and already on August 29, 2024, a local plan for the establishment of a wind farm was accepted at the meeting of the municipality of Talsu region.”
There are things that have also been done practically, for example, two wind measuring masts have already been installed. “For the next two years, they will provide wind measurements and data collection in order to select the most appropriate wind turbines and their equipment in the future. A helicopter was used in the construction process of the wind measurement masts – this method is not widespread in Latvia, but it significantly accelerated the construction process. The work was done together with colleagues from Sweden, who have extensive experience in the construction of masts in Scandinavia,” explains O. Ķiecis.
“The initial road construction could start in 2027,” says the representative of “Valpene Wind”.
We must wait for the acceptance of the municipality
In accordance with the regulations, the next step in the development of the project is to receive the approval of the municipality of Talsi region for the planned activities in the construction of the wind farm “Valpene”. The conclusion of the contract with the transmission system operator and design works will follow. “The construction of the wind park consists of several stages – the arrangement of the infrastructure, including the improvement and construction of roads, the installation of cable lines, the construction of a substation and the installation of wind turbines. The initial road construction could start in 2027,” said the representative of “Valpene Wind”.
“The minimum annual financial benefit for a resident will be one monthly salary, while the maximum amount will be three monthly salaries. The minimum wage in Latvia in 2024 is 700 euros. The financial benefit will not be subject to personal income tax,” explains Olavs Ķiecis.
However, the improvement of the road infrastructure is not the only benefit for the citizens. They will also benefit financially. «2024. On August 27, the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 577 “Wind power plant payment procedure for local community development” was issued, which requires wind farm owners to make an annual payment of 2,500 EUR/MW to the municipality. The amount will be divided into two equal parts – 50% for residents (existing building owners) and 50% for the municipality. In order to receive the financial contribution, the residential building must be put into operation before the construction permit for the wind power plant is issued, and the building cannot be completely or partially collapsed, dangerous or landscape-damaging. In the event that the property belongs to two owners (for example, spouses), the financial benefit is divided equally between the co-owners,” says O. Ķiecis. “The minimum annual financial benefit for a resident will be one monthly salary, while the maximum amount will be three monthly salaries. The minimum wage in Latvia in 2024 is 700 euros. The financial benefit will not be subject to personal income tax. The annual contribution of the wind park “Valpene” will reach up to 300 thousand euros,” explains Olavs Ķiecis and adds that during the construction process employees will be provided with jobs, and as wind parks develop in Latvia as a whole, residents will feel a reduction in electricity prices in the long term.
Effects on health and the environment
Residents are worried about whether the wind park will affect the health of the residents of the nearby area. O. Ķiecis adds that the wind farm “Valpene” is being developed in compliance with all regulatory requirements, including the requirement that the wind turbine is located at least 800 meters from residential buildings: “During the development of the environmental impact assessment, a simulation of the operation of the wind farm was carried out to assess the sounds , flickering and other effects. As a result of the evaluation, it was concluded that the operation of the wind turbines will not have a negative impact on the surrounding houses or the health of the residents. In addition to the environmental impact report, various layout alternatives were evaluated when evaluating the impact of the turbines on the landscape. In the final version, a solution was selected that has the least impact on the surrounding environment and cultural and historical values, which are very important to us as developers. It should be mentioned that the wind turbines will be installed on the land plots of private owners with whom contracts have been concluded.»
The wind park will also bring significant economic benefits to the municipality. “The obtained funds can be used to implement climate and energy efficiency projects, clean up the municipal infrastructure, as well as repair roads and streets,” explains O. Ķiecis. Both the municipality and the residents will receive the benefits one year after the wind farm is put into operation. However, the benefits associated with improving the infrastructure will be felt much sooner.
/The attached photo is illustrative/
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2024-09-19 13:00:31