Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Wind Energy - Environmental Aspects

No energy source is free of environmental effects. As the renewable energy sources make use of energy in forms that are diffuse, larger structures, or greater land use, tend to be required and attention may be focused on the visual effects. In the case of wind energy, there is also discussion of the effects of noise and possible disturbance to wildlife - especially birds. It must be remembered, however, that one of the main reasons for developing the renewable sources is an environmental one - to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Several studies have shown that wind plants 'repay' the energy used during construction in about 6 months or less, so that electricity generated after that time realises substantial emission savings. In most cases wind generation displaces coal-fired plant, so 1 kWh of wind saves about 1 kg of carbon dioxide.

Noise
Almost all sources of power emit noise, and the key to acceptability is the same in every case - sensible siting. Wind turbines emit noise from the rotation of the blades and from the machinery, principally the gearbox and generator. At low wind speeds wind turbines generate no noise, simply because they do not generate. The noise level near the cut-in wind speed (Fig. 12-4) is important, since the noise perceived by an observer depends on the level of local background noise in the vicinity, and this has a masking effect. At very high wind speeds, on the other hand, background noise due to the wind itself may well be higher than the noise generated by a wind turbine. The intensity of noise reduces with distance and it is also attenuated by air absorption.

The exact distance at which noise from turbines becomes 'acceptable' depends on a range of factors. As a guide, many wind farms with 400-500 kW turbines find that they need to be sited no closer than around 300-400 m to dwellings.

Television and Radio Interference
Wind turbines, like other structures, can sometimes scatter electro-magnetic communication signals, including television. Careful siting can avoid difficulties, which may arise in some situations if the signal is weak. Fortunately it is usually possible to introduce technical measures - usually at low cost - to compensate.

Birds
The need to avoid areas where rare plants or animals are to be found is generally a matter of common sense, but the question of birds is more complicated and has been the subject of several studies. Problems arose at some early wind farms that were sited in locations where large numbers of birds congregate - especially on migration routes. However, such problems are now rare, and it must also be remembered that many other activities cause far more casualties to birds, such as the ubiquitous motor vehicle. In practice, provided investigations are carried out to ensure that wind installations are not sited too near large concentrations of nesting birds, there is little cause for concern. Most birds, for most of the time, are quite capable of avoiding obstacles and low collision rates are reported where measurements have been made.

Visual effects
One of the more obvious environmental effects of wind turbines is their visual aspect, especially that of a wind farm comprising a large number of turbines. There is no measurable way of assessing the effect, which is essentially subjective. As with noise, the background is important. Experience has shown that good design and the use of subdued neutral colours - 'off-white' is popular - minimises these effects. The subjective nature of the question often means that extraneous factors come into play when acceptability is under discussion. In Denmark and Germany, for example, where local investors are often intimately involved in planning wind installations, this may often ensure that the necessary permits are granted without undue discussion. Sensitive siting is the key to this delicate issue, avoiding the most cherished landscapes and ensuring that the local community is fully briefed on the positive environmental implications.