Main Advantages
Turbines have a very small footprint on the land so can be used as part of integrated land use schemes. For example having turbines amongst cropfields, which is common practice in Denmark. Farmers invest in wind turbines and have responsibility for maintaining them, in return the energy they generate can supply the farm and go back into the national grid (Vermeylen, Renewable Energy, 2010). This is becoming a more popular approach in other countries such as the UK with many projects like Community Windpower in North Cornwall.
Wind turbines are also relatively cheap to maintain, even though the initial cost of the turbine is relatively high compared to other renewable. This is really important in allowing grassroots projects because local stakeholders can invest in a project and therefore gain some benefits from it. This is a benefit for land based wind farms however the costs are considerably higher for offshore. Cost of the foundations is just 6.5% for land based turbines but it is 34% of offshore projects (Horgan, Renewable Energy, 2013). The energy payback time for offshore wind farms is much higher but the potential for energy generation is also higher.
In conclusion, wind farm still has a long way to go in regards to winning over public opinion. Offshore wind farms have the biggest potential for energy generation and a reduced impact on wildlife or communities. The disadvantage is the high start costs which require big investors. For now it seems that small, community based projects will lead the way until we can train birds not to fly into turbines.
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| UK offshore wind farms - Telegraph December 2013 |
Main Disadvantages
Disruption to communities and wildlife due to the visual impact and noise produced by the turbine is one of the biggest arguments against them. This can impact an ecosystem and species biodiversity for example the wind farm in Vagsoy in Denmark is located near a coastal cliff where sea eagles nest. There have been many reports of eagles colliding with turbines and the eagle population in the area has declined over the last few years (Rygg, Energy Policy, 2012).
Wind farms can also impact the local economy and tourism which is a big source of controversy. The Lindesnes region in Denmark attracts over 80,000 tourists a year for outdoor pursuits, fishing and its natural beauty. There were many concerns about the expansion of a wind farm, the environment manager for the wind farm stated in an interview that "we are a little afraid of ruining the image that Lindesnes lighthouse and the area have, by overloading it with too many turbines. This has been the main objection against having more [turbines]; it is related to tourism." (Rygg, Energy Policy, 2012).
Wind turbines are not restricted to rural environments. A particularly embarrassing example of poor project planning and management is the Strata Tower in London. The tower (also called the razor) makes a distinctive impression on the skyline with three turbines in the top. They were meant to generate 8% of the buildings electricity but after complaints from residents about the noise and vibration produced by the turbines they have been switched off since 2010.
Wind farms can also impact the local economy and tourism which is a big source of controversy. The Lindesnes region in Denmark attracts over 80,000 tourists a year for outdoor pursuits, fishing and its natural beauty. There were many concerns about the expansion of a wind farm, the environment manager for the wind farm stated in an interview that "we are a little afraid of ruining the image that Lindesnes lighthouse and the area have, by overloading it with too many turbines. This has been the main objection against having more [turbines]; it is related to tourism." (Rygg, Energy Policy, 2012).
Wind turbines are not restricted to rural environments. A particularly embarrassing example of poor project planning and management is the Strata Tower in London. The tower (also called the razor) makes a distinctive impression on the skyline with three turbines in the top. They were meant to generate 8% of the buildings electricity but after complaints from residents about the noise and vibration produced by the turbines they have been switched off since 2010.
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| The Strata Tower, London - image courtesy of The Guardian A failed renewable energy project |
In conclusion, wind farm still has a long way to go in regards to winning over public opinion. Offshore wind farms have the biggest potential for energy generation and a reduced impact on wildlife or communities. The disadvantage is the high start costs which require big investors. For now it seems that small, community based projects will lead the way until we can train birds not to fly into turbines.
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