wind electricity and environment

wind electricity is an environmentally clean type of energy. Yet wind energy development is causing some concerns involving noise, aesthetics and deaths of small animals, besides some health and safety concerns.

Wind turbines do not use fossil energy sources, and don't produce CO2 or any other gas emission. And there isn't any toxic or hazardous materials related to the turbines. The insignificant amounts of hydraulic, insulating and lubricating fluids and oils used by them aren't likely to cause any type contamination. In this view, it is an extremely clean type of energy.

Noise

It’s a rather outdated concern. The noise associated with old wind turbines do not exist any more. Modern turbines are practically inaudible at two hundred meters distance, and proper siting and insulating materials may further minimize possible acoustic impacts.

Wind Turbines & Visual Impact

Wind turbines must often be sited in very exposed and highly visible places, which we may dislike or consider as intrusive.

But, though reasonable, these are also rather subjective opinions. Wind turbines do not represent necessarily a negative aesthetical presence.

Anyway, the impact on the landscape can be reduced through adequate location, while more efficient and larger models may reduce the number of onshore wind turbines.

Bird and bat deaths & Wind turbines

Bird and bat mortality caused by wind turbines is a very controversial issue. Some wildlife and conservation groups are stressing concerns involving those deaths, but there is also a large set of data showing that these are extremely marginal cases,and restricted to some species.

Defenders of wind energy development argue that birds also collide and are killed by lighthouses, tall buildings, radio and television structures, poles, masts and even cars. And that birds tend to change their flight route some hundred meters before the wind turbines, and pass them at a safe distance. What happens with wind turbines is often non significant, comparatively to most human impacts on wildlife.

Precautionary measures to minimize these problems include careful site selection and taking into account bird sanctuaries and bird migratory routes and species. Other measures include new wind turbines and towers designs.

Health and safety considerations

Health and safety considerations are also reported, but they seem rather speculative. Ice throwing, while possible, do not represent a significant danger. And the risk of accidents – blade throws, collapse... - is particularly limited in modern turbines. International engineering standards make them able to support hurricane-strength winds. Modern wind turbine standards ensure a high level of operational reliability and safety.