Best practices in wind farm planning and community involvement minimize negative impacts and maximize benefits from wind power

WWEC2012 will focus on community-based approaches  

Bonn (WWEA), 1 February 2012 – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health published recently a scientific study on health impacts of wind turbines. The study was undertaken by a panel of independent experts "to identify any documented or potential health impacts of risks that may be associated with exposure to wind turbines, and, specifically, to facilitate discussion of wind turbines and public health based on scientific findings".

No scientific evidence could be found that the so called "wind turbine syndrome" exists. However, the authors suggests that negative attitude against wind turbines should be mitigated by best practices as successfully implemented in many parts of the world. Such best practices in wind farm planning should include proper siting, provision of information and community involvement, all of which can minimize negative impacts and maximize benefits from wind power.

Stefan Gsänger, WWEA Secretary General: "In most countries using wind power today, wind farms enjoy a very high degree of public support and it is often rather the local population that wants more wind power and pushes politicians to support it as well. Unfortunately there are some places where misleading and wrong information is spread, especially on health impacts of wind turbines.
According to the Massachusetts health study, people's positive attitude towards wind farms in their neighborhood mainly depends on their level of information and involvement. Previous scientific studies have demonstrated that community-based wind farms lead to significantly higher level of social acceptance. Hence WWEA has identified community involvement as a key for the success of wind power and will organize the next World Wind Energy Conference with the special theme "Community Power - Citizens' Power" in order to discuss appropriate business models."

Hon. Peter Rae AO, WWEA Special Ambassador External Relations: “Surveys worldwide show strong support for renewable energy development and, in particular, for wind power. In Australia a just published comprehensive multi state survey showed 80% public support for wind power. On the subject of health, the Australian Clean Energy Council has pointed to a statement just issued by the Climate and Health Alliance, a coalition representing groups such as the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Australian Psychological Society.
This statement also underlined that renewable energy such as wind power provides a safe alternative to fossil fuels. A Parliamentary inquiry found no basis for a conclusion that adverse health impacts arise from wind turbine operation. The support for wind farms is enhanced where communities can rely upon the wind generators following the principles of the 'Guidelines for Sustainable Development of wind power' which WWEA published more than six years ago.“ 

WWEC2012 "Community Power - Citizens Power", Bonn, Germany, 3-5 July 2012

The World Wind Energy Association, in cooperation with the German Wind Energy Association and supported by a large number of international organizations, will organize its 11th World Wind Energy Conference in Bonn (Germany) under the theme "Community Power - Citizens' Power" from 3-5 July 2012. The conference will especially focus on how community-based wind farms can contribute to a faster wind energy deployment all over the world. Deadline for the submission of abstracts will be 15 February 2012.

For more information on WWEC2012 please visit: www.wwec2012.net

The full report from Massachusetts can be found at http://www.mass.gov/dep/energy/wind/impactstudy.htm