Do wind turbines cause environmental damage?

Whether during the planning of a wind farm project, its construction, or its operation, biodiversity is taken into account according to three action principles: avoid, minimize, and compensate. In this way, various measures are implemented to protect biodiversity, with particular attention to birds and bats, which are especially sensitive to wind energy developments.

For every permit application, an environmental impact assessment is carried out by an independent and accredited consultancy. This study may require agri-environmental measures to compensate for potential environmental effects. Such assessments can lead to relocating a wind turbine or rerouting a migration corridor. During the breeding season, construction may even be prohibited, and turbines can be temporarily shut down at specific times to reduce impact. In addition, agri-environmental measures such as planting hedgerows or creating grass strips may be implemented.

Bron: WIND - FAQ - Ode ; Milieubescherming, ons engagement | ENGIE