Czech municipalities hold referendums on renewable energy projects

Local municipalities in the Czech Republic are holding referendums this October to decide on major renewable energy projects.

In Ralsko, residents will vote on the construction of a photovoltaic power plant planned by the Liberecký Region. The facility, intended for the former Hradčany military airfield, would have an installed capacity of up to 62.5 MW. Residents will also be asked if future renewable energy projects on municipal lands should require local referendum approval. While the regional government is not legally bound by the local vote, the mayor stated the town intends to defend residents' interests.

In the village of Bystrá nad Jizerou, a referendum will address the proposed construction of three wind turbines by NOHO Energy. The project aims for a total capacity of 22 MW, potentially supplying electricity to 20,000 households. The developer has offered the municipality 800,000 CZK annually per turbine, along with one-time payments and electricity bonuses for residents. The vote will take place alongside municipal elections on October 9 and 10.