German wind turbine permits near Dutch border trigger Dutch protests

The Kreis Borken district in Germany has granted permission for three wind turbines about 250 metres high at Vardingholt/Kulver Heide, directly behind the Dutch border near the village of ’t Woold. In addition, five lower turbines near Rhede will be replaced by three similarly tall units, creating a larger wind park close to the frontier.

More than one hundred objections have been filed by Dutch residents and the citizen initiative Windmolenvrij Woold. Its spokesperson, Ricarda Kleffel, says the group is awaiting a detailed response from the district, which will form the basis of a forthcoming lawsuit. German authorities state that German law governs the permits, but Dutch concerns and the impact on protected species have been examined. The approval process relied on a temporary emergency law that eased environmental assessments, later followed by a moratorium that re‑introduced stricter review. The official publication and public consultation are expected in early September.

Dutch officials and local groups argue that the Netherlands is the only government that can influence Berlin’s actions, while the German side views the matter as a regional issue.