Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
it can sustainably contribute to socio-economic development depends largely on how
its services and revenues are shared among different stakeholders and how small-scale
projects (where there is more room for expansion) can cope with environmental problems.
6.6 Wind: Power Trumps Beauty
In 2007 I conducted an environmental impact assessment of a 20-megawatt wind farm
project in central Italy. At the time, wind power was rapidly expanding in Italy, giving rise
to a public debate on its merits. I suggested to my client that they pursue a participatory
approach, whereby local residents would be informed in a public presentation before the
first perimeter fencing went up. The meeting was on a Friday evening and the turnout
was high. After the engineers presented the facility design, I spoke of the impacts of
wind energy in general and of the specific project. My presentation was interrupted by
two elderly gentlemen wearing the traditional “coppola” caps. They stood up and loudly
accused me of shilling for a useless project that would poison the air of their beloved
mountains. Large-scale wind farms do have serious impacts on the local environment, but
air pollution is not one of them. This experience illustrates the often irrational aspects of
the NIMBY attitude, and how important it is to consult people, taking the time necessary
to dispel unfounded fears and address valid concerns.
In 2012 the property tycoon Donald Trump halted the construction of his luxury golf
resort in Aberdeenshire because of a proposed offshore wind farm, and publicly accused
Trump is not alone in objecting to the appearance of wind turbines. Since many of the
most suitable locations for wind power are also areas of scenic beauty, wind power tends to
collidewithlocalsensitivities andtourisminterests.Notsurprisingly,amyriadofanti-wind
action groups have emerged throughout Europe.
Set against a fiery sunset, the stark silhouettes of wind turbines are difficult to ignore.
Some regard them as beautiful because they represent a move towards clean sustainable
energy. For others the rotating blades are high-tech intruders upon otherwise pristine
landscapes. Whatever its impact on landscape (and this is hard to objectively assess, being
largely in the eye of the beholder), the impact of wind power on the way land is used is
moderate, as there is nothing to stop a farmer raising animals or cultivating crops among
the towers of a wind farm.
The blades of a wind turbine rotate at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour and
therefore pose a danger to migrating birds, large birds of prey, and bats, which may be
