Why are wind turbines bad for the environment? Well, you might have heard about all the positives associated with wind energy.
But, it is also important to check the other side of the picture and get an idea about the negative effects of wind turbines.
You need to weigh the pros and cons to decide whether you should give a thumbs-up to wind energy.
So, what are the environmental impacts of wind turbines and solar panels?
Wind turbines are bad for the environment because they hurt wildlife, contribute to noise pollution, affect local tourism, and create other issues like shadow flicker.
The Fascinating World of Wind Turbines
If you have ever used a small solar panel, you may already know that it is a cleaner form of energy and is definitely getting popular.
However, wind energy is equally as popular and quickly becoming a preferred energy source in the world.
And it is likely to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and gas.
And this shift is on the cards because of various benefits, such as the following:
Low Operational Costs
Considering you do not have to pay anything to use wind, the operational costs of wind turbines are as low as zero.
Of course, that is once you have a turbine up and running. Also, new research efforts have directly focused on making wind power even cheaper.
Combine it with all the government incentives you get, and you will notice the cost coming down quite considerably.
A Clean Source of Energy
Obviously, wind energy is a cleaner way to handle your energy needs because it does not rely on oil or coal, and never pollutes the air.
Renewable Source of Energy
Yet another big reason for the substantial growth in the popularity of wind energy is it being a renewable asset.
And with its cost coming down, it is definitely going to be a popular energy source going forward.
Fact: It is fascinating to learn that the US is all set to shift 20% of its electricity needs to wind energy by 2030.
Why Are Wind Turbines Bad for the Environment?
Okay, so you have an idea about the major reasons why there is an uptick in the popularity of wind turbines, but should you ignore the flip side of the coin? Of course not!
So, what are the negative effects of wind turbines? Let’s find out now!
Wind Reliability Issues
The consistency of wind flow is typically not reliable, resulting in turbines operating at approximately 30% capacity on average.
If the weather conditions are unfavorable, you might find yourself without electricity (or at the very least, you will have to rely on the assistance of the electric company to get through those periods).
Your wind turbine may be at risk of damage from severe storms or strong winds, especially if it gets struck by lightning.
A Threat to Wildlife
The safety of wildlife, particularly birds and other airborne creatures, can be compromised by the edges of wind turbines.
Collisions between rotating blades and birds or bats can lead to severe and often deadly injuries.
The presence of wind farms can potentially disrupt migration patterns, resulting in alterations to flight routes and the potential loss of feeding or breeding areas.
Although attempts are being made to minimize these effects by selecting appropriate locations and implementing suitable designs, the size of wind farms can still present dangers to bird and bat populations.
Contributing to Noise Pollution
Installing and managing wind turbines can often prove to be an absolute hassle and a constant source of frustration.
And they can always contribute to noise and visual pollution.
Wind turbines produce a noise level ranging from 50 to 60 decibels, which becomes relevant when considering their proximity to residential areas.
There are people who hold the opinion that wind turbines are unattractive, which means your neighbors might also express their dissatisfaction with them.
An Important Consideration
Although many individuals appreciate the aesthetic appeal of wind turbines, there is a minority who hold a NIMBY (“not in my backyard”) perspective.
Therefore, you have to be careful when going with this option.
High Upfront Costs
Whether you install a wind turbine for residential needs or have it set up for commercial requirements, the upfront investments are rather high.
Moving all the machinery and stuff can be quite expensive and all the work needed to install them can cause serious disruptions.
Moreover, these projects can potentially lead to erosion, which is certainly an important environmental concern.
Low Cost-Competitiveness
There is a significant level of disagreement when it comes to the cost-competitiveness of wind power.
In order to level the playing field for wind power in the intense competition with long-established energy sources like fossil fuels and coal, it is essential to provide financial incentives.
Financial incentives you receive usually rely heavily on small residential wind turbines and utility-scale wind farms.
In certain scenarios, wind turbines can serve as a great alternative for homeowners aspiring to generate their own energy.
But the high investment they make tends to reach the break-even point within a span of 10 to 20 years, which can be considered a considerable duration.
Fact: To achieve net electricity production, you would need approximately 10 kilowatts of wind turbines, which can cost anywhere between $40,000 and $70,000.
Safety Concerns for People
Wind turbines can quickly turn into a safety hazard in the case of severe storms.
The turbine blades can experience significant forces from these intense weather events, which may result in damage or complete failure.
Blades that are malfunctioning or damaged pose a considerable risk to the safety of those involved in wind farm operations.
In the event that a blade was to separate or fracture, there is a possibility of it descending and resulting in significant harm or potentially even loss of life.
These incidents may lead to permanent physical disabilities and have devastating outcomes for the individuals affected.
Fact: It is essential to prioritize the maintenance, inspection, and safety protocols associated with wind turbines to reduce the potential dangers.
Limited Availability of Suitable Locations
Wind turbines are effective so long as the wind blows at a suitable velocity. The problem is that it may only happen in certain areas.
Consequently, wind turbines are frequently installed in distant or countryside regions where these advantageous wind circumstances prevail.
But, this presents a difficulty when it comes to transferring the produced electricity to urban or residential regions where it is required.
In order to address this challenge, it is necessary to construct comprehensive transmission line networks.
They are essential to link the wind farms with the current power grid and distribute the electricity to end-users.
An Important Consideration
Additional investment is necessary for the establishment of these transmission lines, as it entails the installation of essential infrastructure such as poles, cables, substations, and other related elements.
The expenses and practical factors linked to setting up these transmission lines contribute to the total investment needed for wind energy initiatives.
Fact: The initial expenses associated with establishing the infrastructure for wind power are often overshadowed by the advantages of generating clean and sustainable energy.
Other Concerns Associated with Wind Turbines
Besides having negative effects on the environment, wind turbines can also be quite frustrating for people in general.
Here are some other possible concerns:
Shadow Flicker
Shadow flicker is another issue associated with the installation of wind turbines. It happens because the blades of these wind turbines cast a shadow while turning.
Those living close to these turbines may suffer because these blades alter the path of the light.
It is because of this particular reason that wind farms have to be installed in areas where shadow flicker would not cause a serious problem.
Health Concerns Associated with Wind Turbines
While there is a scarcity of research on the subject, a few studies have indicated a potential link between the closeness to wind turbines and negative health impacts.
Noted health issues consist of sleep disruptions, irritation, tension, and additional psychosocial impacts.
Nevertheless, the available data remains inconclusive, and further extensive research is required to accurately evaluate and comprehend the potential health effects linked to wind turbines.
Takeaway
Why are wind turbines bad for the environment? Wind turbines are definitely becoming popular because they serve as a cleaner source of energy.
But, there can be some negative effects as well, especially on the environment. They may range from affecting wildlife and causing noise pollution to looking visually unappealing and so on.
So, it is important to consider these cons while deciding when and where to install wind turbines.
