Wind Farm Controversy

Wind farms have been opposed by those who feel that they spoil the landscape. Others, whether interested in renewable energy or not, have argued that the windmills are elegant and beautiful. The issue has split "nature lovers," who argue in turn that support or that opposition to wind farms is not doing the environment any favors. Another argument has concerned whether the windmills are a significant danger to passing birds.

In the UK, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has studied this matter and concluded that "The available evidence suggests that appropriately positioned wind farms do not pose a significant hazard for birds" (see RSPB statement on wind farms). It notes that climate change poses a much more significant threat to wildlife, and therefore supports wind farms and other forms of renewable energy.

A study of a Danish offshore wind farm used radar to track flocks of geese and eider ducks around the Nysted wind farm in the Baltic Sea. It found that the birds flew almost exclusively down the corridors between the 72 turbines; with less than one per cent flying close enough to risk collision. Many also avoided the wind farm altogether. The study was by Mark Desholm and Johnny Kahlert of the National Environmental Research Institute in Rønde, Denmark (New Scientist, vol 186, no 2504: 18 June 2005). The study did not, however use data during twilight hours or anything more than mild winds. And the researchers warn about the possible cumulative effect of increasing numbers of wind facilities. Neighbors often complain that the noise from wind farms is a nuisance.

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