Demolition of old wind farms is very expensive. The Germans therefore declare them to be technical monuments

In Europe, now with the exception of France, tall wind turbines are growing in huge numbers, greatly changing the landscape. Their construction often provokes opposition from local residents. When they reach their end of life, they should be dismantled. But demolition is too expensive for their owners. The Germans came up with a solution. Rusty non-functioning windmills began to be declared as technical monuments. Brandenburg was the first federal state to take such a step, writes the newspaper Bild.

Two 38-meter high wind turbines near the town of Schünow with 33-meter rotors have been out of service for years because the generators and other parts are defective and no spare parts are available. It was not possible to build a new one in their place, because according to existing standards it is very close to the village.

But wind energy consultant Christian Busse had a bold idea, writes Bild. “We’re going to apply for historic preservation! Like the old windmills.” He founded the Windkraft-Arche association, and succeeded.

Thanks to the new inclusion among technical monuments, their owner Jeannine Weinrichová no longer has to pay the high costs of their demolition. She has now saved tens of thousands of euros.

The move was confirmed by the Heritage Office despite fears it could set a precedent for faulty wind turbines. The leader of the Free Voters party in Brandenburg, Peter Vida, cannot understand this decision at all. “If this example sets a precedent, broken wind turbines will soon destroy the entire country!”

The State Monuments Office does not see any danger in this, it wants to examine every application with the same care regardless of the applicant’s financial interests.