Wind park plans for Alpe Rauz scrapped after weak wind results

Plans for a wind park at Alpe Rauz in Klösterle have been abandoned after measurements showed that the turbines could not be operated economically, ORF Vorarlberg reported. Three other areas in Vorarlberg remain under consideration, with the next measurements planned at Klaratsberg near Egg.

illwerke vkw collected wind data for a year using an 80-metre measuring mast installed at Alpe Rauz in June 2025. The mast was dismantled in July 2026.

The energy provider said the results showed that wind conditions varied across the planned project area. The strongest wind potential was measured at higher elevations, where the narrow valley structure did not leave enough space for the planned turbines.

Simulations for a possible wind park with five turbines produced a clear result. The site averaged only about 1,000 full-load hours, which illwerke vkw said was too little for the project. Wind parks operated by the company in Germany consistently achieve more than 2,000 full-load hours.

Because construction costs would also be higher in the Alpine location, the project was not feasible under those conditions, said Christof German, chief executive of the regional energy provider.

illwerke vkw said it remained committed to wind power, but projects would have to be environmentally, economically and socially acceptable. Given its natural conditions, Vorarlberg would remain primarily a region for hydropower and photovoltaic energy, the company said.

A new assessment is planned for the Egg and Klaratsberg potential area. Instead of a measuring mast, the first stage will use LiDAR technology, which uses light pulses to gather information about potential wind conditions. If the results are promising, a measuring mast could be installed later.

The energy provider had also identified Schuttannen in Hohenems and Bödele in the Dornbirn and Schwarzenberg area as potential locations. Both cities have expressed reservations. Hohenems Mayor Dieter Egger said earlier measurements by another Austrian operator had already indicated that Schuttannen had little potential. Dornbirn Mayor Markus Fäßler warned that turbines at Bödele would cause major interventions in the landscape and natural environment and could harm the area’s recreational use.

Egg Mayor Marc Meusburger has said that comprehensive public participation would be required for any wind power project at Klaratsberg. Whether the location is suitable will be determined after the measurements.

Vorarlberg’s new energy autonomy plan aims to establish six to 10 wind turbines in the region. Klaratsberg could therefore become the main remaining prospect for wind power in the region.