Association: "K2 Ventum" wind farm landscape assessment based on fabricated visualizations

The association "Piekraste Rītdienai" argues that the "K2 Ventum" wind farm in South Kurzeme municipality should not be approved, listing around twenty objections to the project. The group identifies four objections as the most significant, alongside three additional concerns tied to the landscape assessment, which it claims relies on fabricated photo visualizations.

Legal obstacles

According to the association, the planned construction site falls within a restricted economic activity zone along the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, where the Protection Zones Law prohibits this type of development. The group says this position is backed by a legal opinion in its possession. It also states the project conflicts with the current territorial plan, which does not allow for wind turbine construction at this location.

Threat to migratory birds

The organization further points out that the project area lies within one of the Baltic region's most important migratory bird corridors. An opinion from an independent Swedish ornithologist reportedly found that "K2 Ventum" sits on the dominant migratory bird route, while bird behavior when crossing this territory has not been sufficiently studied. The opinion concludes there is a significant risk of bird mortality.

Background on the decision

In April, the Cabinet of Ministers approved construction of two other wind farms in Kurzeme, but postponed a decision on "K2 Ventum," which involves installing 46 turbines in Sakas parish. The Ministry of Climate and Energy was tasked with assessing the project's legality and ensuring proper public participation. A final decision on the project has not yet been made.