In a local referendum held in Sulz am Neckar on Sunday, November 8, 2026, approximately 68 percent of voters expressed opposition to supporting new wind power installations. A total of 2,872 citizens voted in favor of restricting access to municipal land and paths for wind energy projects located within the state-owned forest. Voter turnout reached 43 percent, meeting the required quorum. The vote was prompted by plans for five wind turbines near Sigmarswangen and Schillerhöhe. Although the outcome is binding for the municipality, the turbines could still be constructed, as federal law limits the local authority’s ability to prevent such development.
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Referendum confirms opposition to wind power in the forest
For opponents of wind power, this marks the second successful referendum in two years. In February 2025, 60.21 percent of voters rejected the leasing of municipal forest land—a vote that saw a turnout of approximately 74 percent. While the first referendum concerned the municipal forest, this new initiative focused on the use of city-owned infrastructure to support wind energy projects located on state-owned land.
The latest vote therefore centered on access roads, the transport of heavy loads, construction staging areas, and cable routes—infrastructure that project developers require to build and connect wind turbines in state-owned forests. The threshold for approval was set at 2,006 votes; this was significantly surpassed, with 2,872 “yes” votes cast. However, the outcome does not directly determine whether the facilities are granted official authorization.
Federal Law Limits the Impact of the Citizens’ Referendum
Even before the vote, a legal opinion had pointed out the limited scope for action available to the city. Under Section 2 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), the expansion of renewable energy is considered to be in the overriding public interest. Consequently, the municipality cannot refuse the necessary special-use permits solely on the basis of the citizens’ referendum. Furthermore, Sections 11a and 11b of the EEG require owners of public land—under certain conditions—to allow the installation of cables and the transport of equipment.
While the outcome of the vote carries the same weight as a resolution by the municipal council, it does not negate statutory rights of use. The city must refrain from providing voluntary support, to the extent legally permissible. However, the use of public paths is subject to additional legal requirements; therefore, any refusal can only occur within existing legal boundaries. Consequently, the citizens’ referendum does not automatically prevent the development of the state-owned forest.
Five Wind Turbines Planned, Each 267 Meters Tall
The project is being spearheaded by the wind energy developer SOWITEC, based in Sonnenbühl. The company plans to install five Nordex N175 turbines with a combined capacity of 34 megawatts. Each wind turbine is set to reach a height of 267 meters. The designated sites are the Stumpenwald and Eichwald forests, as well as the “Breite” area—all of which are state-owned forest lands, not property belonging to the city of Sulz.
SOWITEC has already concluded a land-use agreement with the state forestry enterprise, ForstBW. In principle, this agreement remains unaffected by the outcome of the municipal vote. According to the project plan, the turbines are expected to generate enough electricity annually to power more than 24,000 four-person households—though these figures represent projected yields. Actual electricity production depends, among other things, on local wind conditions.
SOWITEC insolvent – Future of the wind farm becomes even more uncertain
In addition to legal conflicts, economic uncertainties have now also emerged. Several companies within the SOWITEC Group have been in insolvency proceedings since September 2026. The insolvency administrator is currently seeking buyers for existing wind farm projects. The company had previously accumulated debts of approximately 60 million euros. However, this insolvency does not automatically mean that the wind power plans in Sulz will be abandoned.
According to the project timeline published thus far, construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, with commissioning to follow in 2029. This, however, requires obtaining the necessary permits, securing viable financing, and developing the sites. There is currently no confirmation that all required permits have been granted. At the same time, a new investor could acquire the existing project rights and continue with the planning.
For Sulz, this leaves a significant discrepancy between the outcome of the public vote and the legal reality. The citizens have once again rejected the voluntary provision of municipal land; however, their votes alone are not sufficient to prevent the installation of wind turbines on state-owned forest land. Whether the five turbines are ultimately built will therefore depend largely on the granting of permits, the securing of financing, and further project-related decisions.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: Südwest Presse (07.11.26) – Schwarzwälder Bote (08.11.26)