An expansion of the national test center for wind turbines in Østerild in Thy risks affecting the rare orchid Thy cuckoowort, which is only found in Northwest Jutland. This is reported by DR Nyheder.
A majority in the Danish Parliament has decided in favor of a preliminary study that will pave the way for an expansion of the test center. But the Danish Nature Conservation Association (DN) believes that this would be a mistake.
- It is some of Denmark's finest nature. It is highly protected, partly by a conservation area, partly by section 3 areas, and partly by the EU nature protection (Natura 2000, ed.), says the association's president, Maria Reumert Gjerding, to DR.
"Several hundred specimens" of Thy cuckoo's-eye in the area
Henrik Haaning from the consulting firm Avifauna Consult, which monitors the nature in the area, informs DR that the special orchid has a very small distribution in northwestern Jutland.
But precisely in the area where the test center is planned to be expanded, "several hundred specimens" of Thy cuckoo's-eye have been found, according to the consultant.
According to the plans, the expansion of the test center is to take place to the north in the area around Hjardemål Klit. Here, space is to be provided for five additional test sites with up to 450-meter-high wind turbines. According to DR, 34 properties in the area are set to be expropriated and closed down if the expansion of the test center is carried out.
Minister for Urban and Rural Areas Morten Dahlin (V) tells DR that the test center in Østerild was chosen "because, based on an overall assessment, we considered that this was where the environment and neighbors were least disturbed".
Before the Folketing can make a final decision on the expansion, a so-called environmental and habitat impact assessment must be carried out. It is expected to be completed in 2026.
/ritzau/
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