Carinthian groups launch petition against planned 380 kV power line

Opposition to a planned 380 kV power line is growing in Carinthia, with citizens’ initiatives collecting signatures for a referendum, ORF reported. At least 7,500 declarations of support are needed to submit an application to the state election authority. The referendum’s result would not be legally binding.

The proposed high voltage line would run for almost 200 kilometres from Lienz to Obersielach in the Völkermarkt district. Austrian Power Grid and Kärnten Netz, the companies behind the project, say the line would close a gap in Austria’s high voltage electricity network.

Citizens’ initiatives have opposed the project for months. They criticise the plan to build the line as an overhead connection and the resulting impact on nature. They are seeking a referendum to prevent its construction.

Since Wednesday, all eligible voters in Carinthia have been able to sign a declaration of support at their magistrate or municipal office. At least 7,500 valid signatures are required before an application for a referendum can be submitted to the state election authority.

If the referendum goes ahead, its result would not be binding. The organisers nevertheless hope it would send a clear political signal against the project.

The 380 kV line has not yet been approved. According to the current timetable, negotiations on the precise route are expected to continue until the end of autumn.