Wind Energy & the Environment
Wind energy works, is increasingly cost-effective, has a net positive environmental impact, and is compatible with most existing land uses. The links below touch on the topic of wind’s environmental benefits and impacts.
The wind farm where turbines shut down 400 times a day when eagles approach
By
Sophie Vorrath
So far, the technology has proven highly successful in protecting the local population of “Wedgies,” with just one mortality due to a turbine collision identified during the initial commissioning of the IdentiFlight system.
Dogs Sniff Out Answers to Bat and Bird Fatalities Near Wind Turbines
By
David Kindy
Aided by canines, researchers found larger models do not necessarily pose a greater threat to wildlife
The paradox of the California condor
By
Jane Braxton Little
To detect and minimize conflict between wildlife and wind generation, they have installed artificial intelligence devices. In 2018 they erected a geofence, which tracks GPS-tagged condors entering the wind farm area and shuts down the turbines.
Cultural Icons of Wind Turbines—A List that Never Stops Growing
By
Paul Gipe
I just added chocolate as a category of subjects that celebrate wind turbines or traditional windmills. Yes, chocolate. I thought “home decor” would be the last category on the topic. I never expected to be writing about table runners or wall paper that featured wind turbines. But the list of categories just won’t stop growing.
GE Renewable Energy Partners With Veolia NA For Wind Turbine Blade Recycling
By
Steve Hanley
GE Renewable Energy has found a new use for old turbine blades — chop them up and use them to make cement. In a press release, the company says it has signed a multi-year agreement with Veolia North America to recycle blades removed from its US-based onshore turbines during upgrades and repowering efforts. Veolia will use kiln reprocessing technology to turn the blades into raw material for cement. Similar recycling techniques have been proven effective at a commercial scale in Europe.
Greek enviro orgs warn of poorly sited wind farms after pelican deaths
By
Sladjana Djunisic
Seven environmental organisations in Greece denounced the installation of wind turbines near protected habitats after three pelicans were found dead on Sunday following collision with blades.
