The wind generators to be erected on the summits and ridges of the Brenner mountains are up to 140 m in height, and ÖAV contends that they negatively affect the natural scenery, which is crucial for close-to-nature tourism. The Alpine Convention's Energy Protocol also prohibits energy-generating installations in protected areas and unspoilt natural regions and landscapes.
In Germany wind power has now displaced hydraulic power as the principal source of renewable energy. A total of 14,000 windmills generate 25 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, making Germany the world leader in wind energy.
Austria's largest wind farm to date was inaugurated in the Austrian town of St. Pölten on September 20. The wind farm produces electricity for around 17,000 households, ensuring an annual reduction in CO2 of 36,000 tonnes.
Sources and information:
19.09.2003 http://www.oeav.at/portal (de), http://www.sonnenseite.com/fp/archiv (de),
22.09.2003 http://www.vpnoe.at/index.php?page=newsdetail&ne (de)