Wind energy can contribute to the winter power supply in the canton of Zurich
In view of the climate crisis and the uncertain international supply situation as a result of the Ukraine war, the use of domestic, renewable energies is a priority. The Energy Strategy 2022 of the Canton of Zurich therefore aims, among other things, to use the wind energy potential in the Canton of Zurich. The strategy assumes that in 2050 around seven percent of the canton’s electricity requirements can be covered from this source. Wind energy is an ideal complement to solar energy and hydroelectric power, as two thirds of this occurs in the winter months.
Clarify and improve as much as possible
Against this background, the Building Department of the Canton of Zurich has looked in depth at where and how much wind energy could be used in the Canton of Zurich and how to proceed. This is also due to a federal mandate, suitable areas for wind power in the cantonal structure planning. According to federal law, the use and expansion of renewable energies has been of national importance since 2018, which means that it can be weighed against other national interests. In addition, the building department is also examining the possibility of speeding up the planning and approval process for wind turbines by revising the cantonal planning and building law (PBG). The aim of this procedure is to clarify and, if possible, to improve the conditions for the use of wind energy.
Precisely evaluated potential areas
New evaluations show, based on the new national framework conditions, which wind power resources could be used where in the canton of Zurich. The building department compared these evaluations with final criteria; Proximity to inhabited buildings (noise), air traffic and other infrastructure, fauna, flora, protection of landscape and cultural assets, bodies of water and wind conditions. This has resulted in a new map with potential areas where it might be possible and worthwhile to use wind energy.
Suitable areas are identified in dialogue
The building department is now examining the suitability of these potential areas in detail in closer cooperation with the permitted site communities, the nature and landscape protection associations and the wind energy industry, identifying further reasons for exclusion and possibly also additional potential. On this basis, she later weighs up the interests and defines the effective areas of suitability for the forthcoming revision of the structure plan. For these, it conducts a hearing as part of a public requirement. The government council then applies to the cantonal council to enter the remaining suitable areas in the cantonal structure plan.
A planning and approval process is also required
If an energy supply company wants to build a wind turbine in one of these suitable areas, a planning and approval process is necessary, during which the appropriate legal remedies can be taken.