In recent weeks, the public announcement and presentation of the National Spatial Plan (NSP) initiative for the Wind Farm Ilirska Bistrica (PVE Ilirska Bistrica) initiative have sparked significant attention and debate. Numerous disinformation campaigns have surfaced among the public and in the media. Initially, we observed these with restraint; however, as they continue to spread, clarifying the facts and explaining how the process truly unfolds is crucial.
The idea of utilizing wind energy in Ilirska Bistrica has been introduced previously. This is evident from the fact that the Municipality of Ilirska Bistrica issued a decision in 2018 to begin preparations for a municipal detailed spatial plan (MDSP) for wind turbines in Knežak. This decision, adopted by the municipal council, was also published in the Official Gazette and can be viewed here.
For many years, we have collaborated with the local community in Ilirska Bistrica, which consistently supported our projects—until the election of the current mayor. Following our standard practice of engaging with local communities, residents, and municipal leadership, we reached out to the newly elected mayor, Dr. Gregor Kovačič, shortly after his inauguration on January 19, 2023. Despite repeated attempts to arrange meetings, the mayor consistently declined. Our latest attempt to meet with him this fall was similarly ignored, as were our calls and invitations to engage in constructive dialogue.
After the presentation of the NSP initiative for PVE Ilirska Bistrica, held on October 17, 2024, in compliance with the Spatial Planning Act, most speakers were opponents of the initiative. However, many local residents approached us following the event, expressing their surprise at the misinformation being spread by wind farm opponents. They noted that due to the aggressive behavior of these opponents, they were hesitant to voice their support publicly, as their opinions were often dismissed.
Moreover, despite the project being of national importance, the mayor introduced a resolution opposing the construction of wind turbines in Ilirska Bistrica at the municipal council meeting held just before the October session. While 18 council members supported the resolution, we later received feedback from dismayed residents who felt misled, as they were given the materials only minutes before the session, leaving them no time to review and respond adequately.
From the outset, we have emphasized that this is a conceptual project designed to involve the public early in the process. Nonetheless, disinformation about impacts and similar issues persists, even though the assessment phase is still ahead of us. Data collection will begin following the public announcement and presentation of the NSP initiative for PVE Ilirska Bistrica. This involves input from the public and spatial planning authorities, from whom we will receive opinions and guidelines. Comprehensive studies and analyses of impacts on all environmental components will then be conducted, as specified in the Government of Slovenia’s resolution to initiate the national spatial planning process. These analyses will be compiled in an Environmental Report. Only when all results are available, and we understand the feasibility and impacts of the wind farm on the environment, public health, and mitigation measures can we proceed with specific proposals and planning for the most suitable alternative. We will also provide detailed information to experts and the general public at that stage.
Let us briefly remind everyone why Ilirska Bistrica was chosen as the site for this conceptual wind farm project. The analysis revealed that the selected area offers sufficient distance from existing buildings and residents (at least 1,400 meters), adequate wind speeds, and existing access roads that will be upgraded. Only a few locations in Slovenia possess such characteristics. Previous studies for the Knežak Wind Farm—part of the proposed NSP area for PVE Ilirska Bistrica—confirmed the site’s suitability for wind farm development.
This selection is no coincidence; it is a region with immense potential for developing wind farms and fostering economic growth, which the residents of this area need and desire. Our aim is to collaborate closely with the local community and economy, not only to implement the PVE Ilirska Bistrica project but also to contribute to the broader revitalization and development of the local area.
Lastly, we often hear claims in the media and from various stakeholders that we must communicate with local communities where wind farms are planned. This is not true. Last weekend, we took a group of residents from the municipalities of Sežana and Divača—where PVE Griže – Veliko Polje and PVE Dolenja vas are planned—on a study tour of best practices in Austria (photos attached). They learned firsthand how local communities have coexisted with renewable energy projects for decades. We were joined by the long-time director of the municipal administration of Kötschach-Mauthen, who, alongside the director of AAE from Austria, explained the process of integrating wind, solar, and hydroelectric plants into their local community.
As in other locations where we plan wind farms, we are committed to maintaining an open dialogue with the local community in Ilirska Bistrica. We will provide information from various sources to ensure residents are well-informed about the project’s key development stages.
Dear editors and journalists, we sincerely hope that you will also contact us when reporting on wind energy projects and public reactions. We will always provide firsthand information to the best of our ability, striving for transparent collaboration with both the local community and the media.