A proposed wind farm project in Bulgaria’s Varna region has sparked widespread public opposition due to concerns over potential deforestation and its proximity to residential areas.
The development, which aims to construct 29 wind turbines in the Avren municipality, threatens to disrupt both the local environment and the health of nearby residents, according to local citizens and environmental advocates.
The private investor behind the project plans to build the turbines on 238 acres of state-owned forest land in the Avren region, an area known for its natural beauty and ecological significance.
However, the proposal has quickly stirred unrest among locals, with a number of residents and environmental groups voicing their opposition.
They fear the project will cause irreversible damage to local ecosystems and raise public health risks due to the close proximity of some turbines to homes.
Atanas Tsvetanski, the chairman of the initiative committee “Let’s Protect the Forest of Avren Municipality,” has been a vocal critic of the project, pointing out that no comprehensive ecological studies have been conducted to assess its environmental impact.
“There has been no serious research into the potential consequences of this project,” Tsvetanski stated.
“The development is taking place in hilly terrain, which could lead to soil erosion, flooding, and serious ecological disturbances. We are also concerned about the health effects, such as Wind Turbine Syndrome, caused by infrasound from turbines.”
The community’s concerns are shared by local residents, including Maria Krumova from the nearby village of Ravna Gora. Krumova expressed alarm over the proximity of the turbines to settlements, particularly the village of Dobri Dol, which would be surrounded by the wind farm.
“It’s one thing to promote green energy, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of our forests and our health,” Krumova said, echoing the sentiment of many who view the proposal as a threat to both the environment and their quality of life.
In defense of the project, Valeri Venkov, a representative of the investor, argued that the development complies with legal minimum distance requirements, with the nearest turbine located 850 meters from the closest settlement.
Venkov emphasized that the project would impact just 0.3% of the municipality’s forested area, and that advanced technology, including thermal sensors and cameras to detect bird movements, would be employed to minimize risks to wildlife.
Despite the investor’s reassurances, environmental advocates remain concerned about the project’s potential impact on local wildlife, particularly birds.
The proposed site lies near the protected Kamchia and Galata areas, as well as the Via Pontica migratory route, one of Europe’s major flyways.
Tsvetanski warned that the turbines could disrupt migration patterns and lead to increased bird fatalities due to collisions with the spinning blades.
Despite the controversy, the Municipality of Avren has expressed support for the project, citing its potential to bring economic benefits to the region.
Mayor Emanuil Manolov highlighted that the wind farm could create 50 new jobs and generate substantial revenue for the municipality, including a one-time payment of about 2 million leva in fees and permits, and annual income of 2 to 3 million leva from the wind farm’s operations.
Before construction can begin, the project will need to undergo an environmental impact assessment and receive an evaluation from a state forestry expert. Mayor Manolov has also proposed holding a local referendum, allowing residents to vote on the project, assuming the environmental report is favorable.
In the meantime, local citizens and the initiative committee have pledged to continue protesting in defense of the region’s forests, making it clear that the issue remains far from resolved.