Varja wind farm project in Estonia cut by one-third — ERR News

In the Estonian municipality of Lüganuse in Ida-Viru County, the Varja wind farm project has been reduced by about one-third compared with the original plan. Planning for the first part of the facility is nearing completion, and construction of 12 wind turbines is expected to begin next year, ERR News reports.

The number of turbines has been reduced

The Varja wind farm consists of four parts. Planning has progressed furthest for the eastern and western sections, where a total of 12 turbines are expected to be built next year.

Varja Windfarm management board member Gregor Raudvere said that the initial plan was to build between 32 and 34 turbines, but the project now provides for 23. According to him, the installations will also be lower than previously planned.

Raudvere explained that developers usually begin planning with the maximum possible parameters and later determine which specific turbine locations are feasible. He added that not all wind installations included in local government plans will ultimately be built.

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Residents' concerns and the municipality's position

During a presentation of the project's current status, local residents expressed concern about the possible impact of the turbines on living conditions. Meeting participants feared that if all wind farms planned in the municipality are built, some residents may move away despite the planned compensation measures.

There are currently 27 turbines in the Lüganuse municipality. Various projects provide for the construction of another 150, but the municipality's leadership believes that not all of them will be implemented.

The municipality instructed the initiators of wind energy projects to reach agreements with residents within the impact zone. Mart Kivistik, chairman of the Lüganuse Municipal Council, said that planning would not be approved until the consent of all people affected by it is obtained, including regarding power line corridors or turbine blade height.

Investment and electricity generation

According to the developer's estimate, at least €90 million in investment is needed to complete construction of the first 12 turbines. They are expected to generate about 250 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year.