Translate this page to any language by choosing a language in the box below.

Humpback and Right Whales are Dying: Are Ocean Wind Farms Energy Projects Killing Whales

Ocean wind energy farmsProblems at Wind Turbines and Farms

While wind turbines are generally considered a clean and renewable source of energy, there are a few environmental and other concerns associated with their use. Ocean wind farms are being questioned with regard to their potential effect on whales and dolphins, and now land wind farms are being questioned. It's important to note that these concerns vary in significance depending on the location, design, and management of wind turbine projects.

Here are some of the common issues associated with wind turbines:

Bird and Bat Collisions:

Wind turbines can pose a risk to birds and bats, especially when located in migration routes or habitats with high wildlife activity. Collisions with rotating turbine blades can result in injuries or fatalities for these animals. However, it's worth noting that the impact on bird and bat populations is relatively low compared to other human-made structures such as buildings and communication towers.

Nonetheless, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, an independent body that reports to the federal government , on May, 22,2023 says " “the mortality at wind farms seems to be the top threat” to the hoary bat, the silver-haired bat and the eastern red bat. Studies in 2019 say that each turbine kills approximately 10 bats per year, which adds up to tens of thousands of individual bats killed each year in Canada alone.
 

Noise and Visual Impact:

Wind turbines generate some level of noise during operation, which can be a concern for nearby residents, particularly if the turbines are located in close proximity to homes or sensitive areas. Additionally, the visual impact of wind turbines on the landscape is subjective, and some people may find them visually intrusive.

Land Use and Habitat Fragmentation:

 Wind farms require large areas of land for installation, which can result in the conversion of natural habitats or agricultural lands. This land use change can lead to habitat fragmentation and potentially disrupt local ecosystems. Careful site selection and planning can help minimize these impacts.

Potential for Negative Health Effects:

Some individuals living in close proximity to wind turbines have reported health issues such as sleep disturbances, headaches, and annoyance due to low-frequency noise or infrasound generated by the turbines. However, scientific studies have not consistently found a direct causal link between these health effects and wind turbine operation.

Impact on Local Communities:

The development of wind farms can sometimes create conflicts within local communities. Concerns about property values, impacts on tourism, and disagreements over the distribution of economic benefits can arise. Effective community engagement and transparent decision-making processes can help address these concerns and foster positive relationships.

Manufacturing and Decommissioning Challenges:

Wind turbines require the use of materials and energy during manufacturing, which may have associated environmental impacts. Additionally, decommissioning and recycling of wind turbine components at the end of their lifespan can pose technical and logistical challenges.

Conclusions:

It's worth noting that many of these concerns are actively addressed through careful project planning, environmental impact assessments, and ongoing research to improve turbine design and minimize potential impacts. Wind energy remains one of the most environmentally friendly forms of electricity generation, playing a crucial role in transitioning to a cleaner energy future.

References

Many references and sources are included in the text above. Below are others:

 

  1. Three bat species at risk of becoming endangered as wind turbines take heavy toll on wildlife
    The Journal of Wildflife Management, IVAN SEMENIUK, SCIENCE REPORTER and WENDY STUECK, ENVIRONMENT REPORTER
    PUBLISHED MAY 11, 2023, UPDATED MAY 13, 2023
     
  2.  Impacts of Wind Energy Development on Landscapes and Wildlife -
    National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
     
  3.  Wind Energy and Wildlife: A Balancing Act
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  4. Environmental and Social Impacts of Wind Energy
    Union of Concerned Scientists
  5. Wind Energy: The Case of a Controversial Technology
    National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
  6. Wind Turbine Sound and Health Effects: An Expert Panel Review
    Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
  7. Avian Collisions with Wind Turbines: A Summary of Existing Studies and Comparisons to Other Sources of Avian Collision Mortality in the United States
    U.S. Department of Energy
  8. Wind Turbines and Birds: A Background
    American Bird Conservancy
  9. Wind Turbines, Human Health, and Wind Turbine Syndrome: A Review of the Scientific Literature
    Australian Medical Association
  10. The Environmental Impacts of Wind Energy: A Review
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
  11. Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Wind Power
    Energy Policy
    .