Wind Power Generation - Renewable Energy: Technology, Economics and Environment - page 346

On the whole, negative impacts of wind power utilisation on bird-life are re-
duced if determined areas are entirely excluded from wind power utilisation (e.g.
natural reserves, flora fauna habitats (FFH)) as it has already become common
practice for the design of wind power applications.
Further effects on fauna. Within the scope of site investigations mass, flight of
migratory insects has not been observed to date /7-18/. Any serious interference
with wildlife (such as hares, roe deer, red foxes, grey partridges, carrion crows)
have been reported either /7-21/. Thus, potential effects on the fauna are low.
Space consumption. Space consumption for wind power utilisation is generally
low. Direct space consumption is attributable to foundations, access roads and
administration buildings, if required; the space required for the foundation of a
1.5 MW wind turbine amounts to roughly 200 m 2 . The distances required in be-
tween the turbines of a wind park may almost entirely be used for agriculture.
Compared with other power generation techniques using renewable and fossil en-
ergy sources, space consumption of wind power generation is relatively low.
Offshore wind power utilisation. Due to the long distance to housing settlements,
for offshore installations audible sound, infrasonic sound, luminous reflectance
and shadow impact are of no importance. However, the following potential effects
on the natural environment are currently being discussed /7-22/:
− Sound radiation of wind turbines, also into the water, and thus possible noise
irritation of animals.
− Effects on seabed symbioses and fish fauna.
− Risk of vessel crashes and ensuing environmental effects.
Future developments will show whether offshore wind power utilisation has a
significant effect on the environment. From the current viewpoint environmental
effects are expected to be lower in comparison to onshore wind power generation.
Acceptance. The degree of social acceptance of wind turbines is indicative of their
effect on humans and the environment. Against this background the analysis of
the correlation of wind power utilisation and tourism has repeatedly been subject
to scientific investigations. The investigations revealed that vacation areas with
wind turbines are esteemed less attractive than others without converters or which
have other difficulties. However, wind power converters have never been a reason
to change the holiday location. Furthermore, wind turbines are often positively
associated with environmental-friendly and sustainable energy generation, which
more than compensates for the loss of attractiveness.
Malfunction. From the current knowledge there are no detrimental wind turbine-
specific effects to be expected in case of malfunction; in the worst case limited
local effects may ensue. In order to minimise even those limited effects, convert-
ers with lubricated gearboxes have been provided with oil-collecting pans.