Carinthia citizens seek referendum against 380-kV power line

Citizens' initiatives in Carinthia, Austria, are collecting signatures to demand a public referendum regarding the construction of a planned 380-kV high-voltage power line. To submit a formal request to the state electoral authority, at least 7,500 signatures from eligible voters are required. While the result of such a referendum would not be legally binding, organizers hope it will serve as a significant political signal against the project.

The proposed line, managed by Austrian Power Grid and Kärnten Netz, would span approximately 200 kilometers from Lienz to Obersielach to close gaps in the Austrian high-voltage grid. Opponents criticize the plan for using overhead lines, citing concerns over environmental impact and nature conservation. The Carinthian Nature Conservation Advisory Board has also criticized the project, noting methodological deficits and insufficient consideration of alternative variants in the planning process.

Project leader Wolfgang Hafner has rejected calls for underground cabling, stating it is not in line with current technical standards and would increase costs by up to tenfold. The companies are currently working to finalize the planning route and fix mast locations, with negotiations regarding the exact path expected to continue through autumn.