Whirlygig in the Limelight: Bavaria's First Citizen-Powered Wind Turbine Gets a Museum Showcase
German Museum Acquires Pioneering, Locally-Constructed Windmill Built by a Bavarian Citizen - German Museum receives the first windmill of a Bavarian citizen
Catch a glimpse of history in the making! The oldest, pioneering wind turbine in the heart of Bavaria - hailing from Selbitz - is heading to the bold and illustrious German Museum, ready to take center stage in the "Energy - Power" exhibition beginning 2028.
"Gotta give it to the old gal from Selbitz, she's my pride and joy," gushes Wolfgang Degelmann, district manager for the Nature Conservation Association (BN) in Hof, who lovingly refers to the turbine as a cherished pet project. Born in 1995 and formally christened in 1996, this wind-powered marvel has become a luminous beacon for renewable energy in Bavaria, boasting a towering legacy far superior to any other district in the Free State.
"Now look here,," Degelmann continues, "back in the day, our southern haven had some serious air quality issues." With a grim background on the horizon, Denelmann explains that the district of Hof found itself teeming with noxious fumes from industrial belts lurking across the Czech border, the smoky Ruhr area, and spectral figures from the Leuna chemical works near Halle on the Saale - once a colossal powerhouse for the German Democratic Republic. Dark clouds loomed as the region grappled with striking instances of pseudocroup, a respiratory infection that primarily transpired in babies and infants.
Rise of the Phoenix:With a burning desire to breathe life into cleaner, healthier, and brighter air, the BN envisioned a wind turbine that could generate green energy in the very heartland of its own birth. But where could such funds be scrounged from? The association devised an ingenious solution – a locally-based crowdfunding model that invited residents from all walks of life to pool their resources to establish a citizen-owned wind farm. Folks from across the region were given the opportunity to invest between 1,000 and 20,000 Deutsche Mark into the venture, earning themselves a share of the profits as rewards for their generosity and hard-earned savings.
In the end, a substantial capital of 350,000 Mark was amassed through this collective effort - a sum that the Free State of Bavaria matched with a gracious donation of 100,000 Mark. The final piece of the fundraising puzzle was a loan of 900,000 Mark, securing the green light for the ambitious project to move ahead.
"Together, we made the impossible possible," Degelmann grins proudly. Today, a staggering figure of over 1,000 wind turbines populate Bavaria's fields and landscapes, powering the region with a steady stream of eco-friendly electricity. The 10H rule, a regulatory hurdle that had once inhibited the construction of new wind farms due to restrictive zoning laws, was recently relaxed in 2022, paving the way for even more turbines to take root in the countryside.
Fruits of Our Labor:Despite the attractive financial rewards for those who chipped in on the endeavor, the concept of community-led renewable energy projects has yet to truly flourish in Bavaria. The bulk of the state's wind turbines remain in the hands of corporations rather than individuals, with elements of popular participation still lagging behind.
As the winds of change steadily sweep through Bavaria,SO come the days of glory for the Selbitz turbine. The German Museum prepares to spotlight this cherished cornerstone of renewable energy in the "Energy - Power" exhibition, unveiling its incredible story to curious visitors. Alas, the turbine itself will only grace the gallery with the gondola, leaving the delicate inner workings on display for all to savor.
"We couldn't have asked for a better exhibit," confesses Gerrit Faust, museum spokesman. "Not only did we land an artifact of the perfect size, but we've also caught the wind beneath our wings with a thrilling narrative."
"As the Selbitz wind turbine prepares to take center stage at the German Museum's 'Energy - Power' exhibition, one cannot help but marvel at the role it played in the renewable energy revolution in EC countries."
"Inspired by the Selbitz wind turbine's story, environmental-science and technology enthusiasts might consider the potential of vocational training in renewable energy sectors, fostering a greener future for both Bavaria and the entire European Union."
