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Summary for: Czech town rejects planned wind farm in binding local referendumResidents of a South Bohemian town have rejected plans to build wind turbines in their municipality, delivering another setback for a renewable energy project through a local referendum.
In Mirovice, in the Písek district, 435 people voted against the proposed wind farm Friday, while 126 supported it. Turnout reached 47.96 percent, making the result both valid and binding on the town council.
Energy company ČEZ Obnovitelné zdroje had approached Mirovice and neighboring Horosedly about constructing a wind park. Three turbines were planned east of Mirovice around Háj hill, roughly one kilometer from the nearest homes.
The project would have provided Mirovice with regular annual revenue. The town council had previously agreed to cooperate on preparations, but residents later organized a petition calling for a referendum.
Plans for three additional turbines in neighboring Horosedly are continuing, Mirovice Mayor Josef Vejšický told Novinky.cz, with no referendum planned there.
Not the town's first rejection
It is the second time Mirovice residents have rejected a major renewable energy project at the ballot box. In 2024, voters opposed plans for a 27-hectare solar power plant near Touškov, with 429 voting against and 43 in favor.
Similar debates are taking place elsewhere in Czechia. Residents of Ralsko and Bystrá nad Jizerou in the Liberec region are due to vote on renewable energy projects in local referendums alongside October's municipal elections.
Under Czech law, at least 35 percent of eligible voters must participate for a local referendum to be valid. For its outcome to be binding on the municipality, the winning option must receive a majority of votes cast and support from at least 25 percent of all eligible voters.
