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    Wind Turbines Facts and Myths

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    Mad-Max-1
    The document discusses several myths about wind turbines and wind farms, and provides facts to counter each myth. Some of the key myths addressed include that wind turbines are taking over the countryside, that wind farms are unpopular, and that wind farms are a health hazard. The facts provided show that wind turbines and farms occupy very little land, have high public support, and do not pose health risks. The document aims to dispel common misconceptions about wind energy through factual evidence.

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    Wind Turbines Facts and Myths

    Uploaded by

    Mad-Max-1
    42 views6 pages
    The document discusses several myths about wind turbines and wind farms, and provides facts to counter each myth. Some of the key myths addressed include that wind turbines are taking over the countryside, that wind farms are unpopular, and that wind farms are a health hazard. The facts provided show that wind turbines and farms occupy very little land, have high public support, and do not pose health risks. The document aims to dispel common misconceptions about wind energy through factual evidence.

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    Wind turbines facts and myths

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    Wind turbines facts and myths

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    The document discusses several myths about wind turbines and wind farms, and provides facts to counter each myth. Some of the key myths addressed include that wind turbines are taking over the countryside, that wind farms are unpopular, and that wind farms are a health hazard. The facts provided show that wind turbines and farms occupy very little land, have high public support, and do not pose health risks. The document aims to dispel common misconceptions about wind energy through factual evidence.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    42 views6 pages

    Wind Turbines Facts and Myths

    Uploaded by

    Mad-Max-1
    The document discusses several myths about wind turbines and wind farms, and provides facts to counter each myth. Some of the key myths addressed include that wind turbines are taking over the countryside, that wind farms are unpopular, and that wind farms are a health hazard. The facts provided show that wind turbines and farms occupy very little land, have high public support, and do not pose health risks. The document aims to dispel common misconceptions about wind energy through factual evidence.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    of 6

    Wind turbines facts and myths

    Myth: Turbines are taking over the countryside


    The facts:

     There are now some 1,120 turbines in 90 locations.

     Generating 10 per cent of UK electricity from renewables by 2010 could mean an increase
    by around another one and half times the current number.

     Less than 1/20,000th of the UK (800ˆ1,200 hectares) would be used for foundations and
    access roads.

     Land between turbines can still be used for farming or natural habitat.

    Myth: Wind farms are unpopular


    The facts:

     Research suggests quite the reverse.

     90 per cent of the public believe the Government should encourage the use of renewable
    energy.

     80 per cent support Government plans to significantly increase wind turbines.

     74 per cent agree that wind farms are needed to meet current and future energy needs.

     66 per cent would approve of a new wind farm in their area.


     Approval is over 80 per cent among those already within 5 kilometres of a wind farm.

    Myth: Turbines are a health hazard


    The facts:

     Wind generation produces no emissions, harmful pollutants or waste products.

     In 25 years of wind generation, with 68,000 turbines now worldwide, there are no significant
    reports of health issues. This includes Denmark, whose turbine density is 30 times that of the
    UK.

     The DTI has commissioned an independent study in response to public concerns about low
    frequency noise.

     However, vibration levels 100 metres from turbines are a factor of 10 lower than the safety
    requirements for modern laboratories.

     Each development requires a noise assessment which can be validated by the Environmental
    Health Officer.

    Myth: Wind farms devastate house prices


    The facts:

     A study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors suggests that wind farms have no
    lasting impact on UK house prices.

     This study is supported by evidence at wind farms in England, Scotland and Wales.

     It shows that local house prices recover from any initial impact once a wind farm has been
    operating for two years.

     Evidence suggests that those living nearest to wind farms are their strongest advocates.
     People promoting fears of falling prices risk making them self-fulfilling.

    Myth: Wind farms keep tourists away


    The facts:

     Many wind farms are tourist attractions.

     30,000 people have visited the information centre for the new Scroby Sands offshore wind
    farm since May 2004.

     90 per cent of tourists surveyed in Scotland said wind farms make no difference to
    enjoyment of their holiday.

     Twice as many would return to an area because of a wind farm than would stay away.

    Myth: Turbine blades threaten bird populations


    The facts:

     UK wind farms have not been associated with any major adverse effects on birds.

     By far the biggest threat to UK bird populations is climate change, which is mitigated by
    renewables such as wind.

     Environmental assessments are required as part of the planning process, to ensure wind
    farms are properly sited and configured in relation to bird movements.

     These assessments have improved the understanding of bird ecology, helping conservation.

    Myth: Wind produces little power


    The facts:
     A single 1.8-megawatt turbine can produce enough power for 1,000 homes.

     Existing wind projects generate enough for nearly half a million homes.

     The average UK wind farm will pay back the energy used in its manufacture within three to
    five months ˆ more quickly than coal and nuclear plants.

     Over its lifetime, a wind farm will repay this energy 50 times over.

     The geographical spread of wind farms minimises the loss of generation when the wind
    stops in any one location.

     Back-up generation is already in place to cover shut-downs of other forms of generation;


    little further back-up will be needed up to 2010 to cover periods when wind and other
    renewables generation is low.

    Myth: Wind energy will not help climate change


    The facts:

     Producing 10 per cent of electricity from renewables in 2010 could cut carbon emissions by
    2.5 million tonnes a year.

     Wind generation produces no carbon emissions.

     Every unit of energy generated by wind doesn‚t need to be generated by carbon-producing


    sources.

     Any emissions savings lost through use of fossil fuel back-up will be minimal to 2010.22

     Wind is part of a range of measures to tackle climate change, alongside other renewables
    and energy efficiency.
    Myth: Projects are forced through with no regard for local concerns
    The facts:

     Ministers have made it clear that wind farms should only be located in the appropriate place
    and that local concerns should be listened to.

     All wind farm proposals are subject to a strict planning process, addressing environmental,
    visual and community impacts.

     Local planning authorities consider onshore proposals up to 50 megawatts (the vast majority
    of applications to date).

     The planning framework facilitates renewable energy, while maintaining safeguards for
    landscape and nature conservation.

     It does not impose targets or developments on local authorities.

     For applications over 50 megawatts, local authorities can trigger an independent public
    inquiry if they object.

     The public can participate in the planning processes and their views are taken into account at
    every stage.

     Projects not meeting planning requirements are refused consent.

     About a third of all applications are refused.

    Myth: Onshore wind is being promoted at the expense of other renewables


    The facts:

     The Government has committed £500 million to develop longer-term renewables, such as
    offshore wind, wave and tidal, solar, biomass and community projects.
     Onshore wind is currently the most economically viable renewables technology with scope
    for expansion, but it will increasingly operate as part of a renewables mix as other
    technologies come on line.

     The UK is already the world‚s second-biggest offshore wind generator. Plans for further
    offshore wind farms represent the world‚s biggest expansion of renewable energy.

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