Skeiða- and Gnúpverjahreppur council considers appeal against wind farm permit at Búrfell

The municipal council of Skeiða- and Gnúpverjahreppur is considering appealing the recently issued permit for a wind farm at Búrfell to the Environmental and Natural Resource Appeals Board. Council leader Haraldur Þór Jónsson believes that the wind farm’s impact will be negative for the local community.

The permit was granted by Orkustofnun to Landsvirkjun for a wind power project at Búrfellslund near Vaðalda. However, Jónsson argues that the project’s impact area extends beyond the physical site, affecting both municipalities involved. He highlights significant planned developments in Þjórsárdal that could further exacerbate local impacts if realized.

The municipal council has consistently opposed the wind farm at Búrfellslund at every stage of its development and was the only entity to submit comments during the permit preparation process. Jónsson anticipates a decision on whether to appeal in the coming weeks, emphasizing the council’s disagreement with Orkustofnun’s dismissal of their concerns.

He also noted the challenges municipalities face under current legislation, stating that the financial toll on Rangárþing ytra due to the project will outweigh any potential benefits. The majority of energy projects are exempt from municipal revenues and taxes, leading to further financial strain for local governments.

In contrast, Jón G. Valgeirsson, mayor of Rangárþing ytra, reported that residents are generally supportive of the project, which has undergone a public consultation process. He indicated that the next step involves applying for a construction permit from Rangárþing ytra, while recognizing that the taxation structure for energy projects needs further examination.