Decision to assemble Bohrau energy park granted

LEAG and EPNE have obtained the green light for concrete planning of a 400-MW solar park near Forst (Lusatia).

The city council assembly on 09/17/2021 in the city of Forst (Lusatia) has granted the initiation of the development plan process for an energy park in Bohrau (Energiepark Bohrau). This means that LEAG and EP New Energies (EPNE), as the leading project developers, can now begin with the concrete planning for the approx. 400-hectare site in the post-mining landscape of the Jänschwalde open pit mine west of the B112 near the villages of Mulknitz and Bohrau. The development plan to be drawn up, together with the environmental report, includes the subsequent arrangement of the PV modules as well as the designation of farmland, connecting footpaths, privacy shield measures, and compensation and replacement measures.

The development plan process will undergo several phases. First, a preliminary design will be drawn up, which will be made available to the public as part of the so-called “early participation” – expected in the first quarter of 2022. After analysis of the participation and preparation of the draft development plan with the environmental report, the so-called “ordinary participation of the public and authorities” will follow. It will be decided on and announced by the city council. The conclusion of the procedure forms the resolution of the statute. At the same time, the land use plan in the corresponding area must be amended. The resolution was passed by the Forster city council on September 17th.

LEAG announced the intention for the 400-MW Bohrau energy park in the summer of this year and informed the neighboring communities. Agreements on the use of the recultivated mining areas have been concluded with the agricultural companies “Bauern AG Nießetal” and “Agrargenossenschaft Heinersbrück”. Intensive cooperation with the farms and with “Agrargenossenschaft Forst eG” is planned – both in terms of the planned use of energy and the cultivation and maintenance of the land.

The planned solar park should be able to provide around 400,000 MW of renewable electricity. This corresponds to the annual demand of about 114,000 households. For the city of Forst (Lusatia) and the entire region, it offers opportunities for further structural development, for example by securing jobs and establishing new supply chains for green electricity and hydrogen to supply industry and commerce. The project progression will also be accompanied by information and dialog offers to the communities and local districts. Citizens also have the opportunity to address their concerns to the company at info@leag.de at any time.