Ettenheim and the Wind: Balancing Climate Protection and Landscape Conservation

Wind Energy in Ettenheim: Between Land Use and Nature Conservation

In April 2026, Ettenheim intensively addressed the designation of priority areas for wind energy. As part of the partial update of the regional plan "Wind Energy" for the Southern Upper Rhine region, the city was required to submit a statement in several meetings of the Building, Environment, and Technology Committee. The focus was on the priority area W-68, located in Ettenheim and covering 1,174.7 hectares.

The WindBG and Land Use Obligations

The Wind Energy Land Requirement Act (WindBG) obliges federal states to designate a percentage of their area for wind energy by December 31, 2032. Baden-Württemberg has chosen 1.8%. For the Southern Upper Rhine region, this means approximately 7,300 hectares, with Ettenheim already contributing 547 hectares (11% of its municipal area).

Due to revised designations, the total area of wind energy zones in the region now amounts to 2.09%. Ettenheim welcomes the reductions in sensitive areas, such as around the Münstertal. Nevertheless, the city calls for stronger protection against visual overload, as the current impact zone of 2,500 meters is considered insufficient. Instead, a zone of 3,500 meters is proposed.

Nature Conservation and Environmental Impacts

The environmental report emphasizes that there are no significant impacts from wind turbines. Nevertheless, it highlights potential effects on protected natural features:

• Habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors are particularly relevant through the General Wildlife Path Plan and the regional habitat network.
• Natura 2000 areas are located in the vicinity, including FFH sites with wind-sensitive bat species.
• Water protection zones, especially Zones I and II, are affected.
• Landscape areas and recreational forests are of significance in Ettenheim.
• Geosites, cultural monuments, and soils of regional importance are located within or near the priority area.

The city’s statement emphasizes that despite the lack of significant impacts on species and habitats, the landscape is negatively affected. Therefore, the overall assessment of the priority area is rated as "significant to very significant negative."

Seeking Compromise and Future Perspectives

Ettenheim follows a pragmatic approach: The city supports the expansion of wind energy as part of its climate protection strategy, but also wants to protect natural resources. This is evident, among other things, in the call for an increase in the impact zone and the reduction of existing priority areas.

Furthermore, the city points to compensation areas and species-protected components to mitigate negative effects. The city advocates for careful planning that also considers cumulative impacts, especially in relation to neighboring priority areas.

Conclusion: A Sensitive Balance

Wind energy policy in Ettenheim is characterized by a sensitive balance between climate protection and landscape conservation. The city is facing a central challenge for many municipalities: How can national climate goals be met without overburdening the local environment? Ettenheim demonstrates that a differentiated, transparent, and participatory planning process makes all the difference.