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Environmental Impacts of Wind Farms:Myth and Reality
E. Binopoulos, P. Haviaropoulos
Centre for Renewable Energy Sources (CRES)

In recent years, there has been a spectacular increase in installed power capacity from wind turbines in Greece (Crete, Evia, the islands). The very rapid development of wind energy was accompanied, inevitably, by concern in local communities over the possible impact of wind turbines on the environment. In some cases, the fears expressed seem somewhat exaggerated and sometimes, unrealistic. In still other cases, the objections to the installation of wind turbines or wind farms are valid to some extent and warrant further investigation. In any event, however, the acceptance or rejection of wind energy by local communities depends on their being objectively informed of the benefits and possible impact of it as yet another human intervention in nature.

First, let us examine the exact reasons for this rapid development of wind energy, not only in Greece but in the rest of the world. Today, it is commonly accepted that global climate change is one of the greatest threats to the future of mankind. This change is due in large part to emissions of so called “greenhouse gases” which inevitably result from the production of energy using conventional fuels. It is considered to be a fact that the development of renewable energy sources and especially wind energy is the only – non nuclear – medium term solution to the problem of climate change.

However, generally speaking, what are the benefits from the use of wind energy?

• The wind is an inexhaustible energy source and nature provides it for free.
• Wind energy is a technologically mature, economically competitive and environment friendly energy choice.
• It protects the Earth, as every kilowatt hour produced by the wind replaces a kilowatt hour produced by conventional generating plants, which pollutes the atmosphere with greenhouse gases.
• It does not burden the local environment with dangerous gas emissions, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, cancer causing microscopic particles, etc. as conventional electricity generating plants do.
• It enhances energy independence and security which is especially important for Greece and Europe in general.
• It contributes to the decentralization of the energy system, reducing energy transmission losses.
So, wind energy has many positive aspects. However, what if its negative impacts on man and the environment are worse even than those from conventional (nuclear, coal) generating plants as some maintain? Below we will attempt a rational – technical approach to this question.

for the rest of the article go to:
http://www.cres.gr/kape/publications/papers/dimosieyseis/CRESTRANSWINDENVIRONMENT.doc