Břidličná residents reject wind farm project in local referendum

Residents of Břidličná, including the local parts of Vajglov and Albrechtice, have voted overwhelmingly against the municipality providing cooperation for the preparation, permitting, or construction of wind power plants on their territory.

In a referendum ordered by the Regional Court in Ostrava, 1,041 voters participated. Of these, 923 voted against the project, representing approximately 87 percent of those who cast ballots. With a turnout of 37 percent, the result is legally binding.

The municipal leadership had previously resisted the referendum, citing existing contracts with investors ČEZ and Al Invest Břidličná. Mayor Miroslav Kladníček expressed concerns regarding potential financial sanctions and the possible requirement to return 10 million CZK already received. The proposed wind park was expected to include 11 turbines and could have generated up to 150 million CZK for the town over 25 years.

Petr Knopp, leader of the Břidličná - Historie - Současnost - Budoucnost group, stated that the next steps involve reviewing existing contracts with legal counsel to determine how to proceed with investors. Kladníček noted that he will not continue in his role as mayor, leaving the outcome to the incoming administration.