Distributed Wind & The Environment
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Benefits to the Environment
Wind: An Alternate Form of Energy Production
Wind power is a clean, renewable source of energy, free from greenhouse gas emissions or waste products. The UK currently emits 560 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) every year, with the Government targeting a reduction of 80% by 2050. Power stations are the largest contributors to carbon emissions, producing 170 million tonnes of CO2 each year; hence the government’s desire to switch to forms of energy devoid of CO2 production.
Effects on Birds
In its publication, Wind Farms and Birds, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds stated that birds are not adversely affected by wind farms. On the other hand, a recent report published in the journal, Nature, confirmed that the greatest threat to bird populations in the UK is climate change, which has undeniably been linked to CO2 emissions and the production of other greenhouse gases.
Wind Impacts from Sound
Wind turbines possess two elements known to create sound – the mechanical noise of turbine components and the sound of blades cutting the wind. With time, the engineering technology in modern wind turbines has advanced significantly. Turbines such as the E-3120, run so quietly that you can stand directly beneath them and hold a conversation without being interrupted. This is partially due to the sound mechanical operation of internal components and also because the blades, significantly smaller than a MW sized turbine, cut through the air more quietly. We invite everyone to visit an Endurance turbine in your area to witness this first hand. To see the location of an E-3120 near you, visit our Wind Turbine Map of the United Kingdom.
