Wind Parks: Debunking Myths and Addressing Concerns

An increasing number of Lithuanian residents favor green energy and want more electricity produced by renewable sources. Approximately 76 percent support the development of wind energy. However, some Lithuanian residents harbor unfounded fears about the impact of wind parks on the environment.

Common concerns include fears of birds being killed by wind turbines, annoying noise, and decreasing property values. Such fears and stereotypes, often stemming from a mix of minor truths and major misconceptions, tend to frighten people. However, the development of renewable energy sources is the only way to reduce energy dependence, lower carbon dioxide emissions, and combat climate change, leading to a freer, cleaner, and healthier life.

It's normal for people to have concerns when a major new project is proposed near them: fear often stems from the unknown or misunderstood. However, research shows that there is no direct link between wind parks and adverse effects on human health. Moreover, wind energy enables the production of clean electricity while reducing emissions of pollutants and toxic substances—factors responsible for approximately one-eighth of global deaths due to air pollution.

Countries, including Lithuania, have regulations to protect residents' peace by maintaining a certain distance from residential buildings and limiting noise levels and shading duration. The maximum sound emitted by the wind park cannot exceed 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. For comparison, normal human conversation reaches 50-60 dB, meaning wind turbines are often quieter than human speech.

Companies developing wind parks examine their potential impact on local biodiversity, and efforts are always made to minimize any impacts. A study conducted in Denmark in 2020 found that birds are adept at avoiding wind turbines. In contrast, many birds are killed by colliding with high-voltage power lines, building windows, and vehicles. Additionally, their populations are declining due to agriculture and mobile towers.

Acquiring real estate is a significant investment, so, understandably, people are concerned about property values when wind parks are built nearby. However, these fears are alleviated by the increasingly positive public opinion of wind parks. Opinion surveys in Europe show that even 75-80 percent of residents who live near wind farms view them favorably.

Wind turbines attract significant investments, thus revitalizing the region by creating jobs, enhancing local tourism, supporting communities, and consequently improving the quality of life and increasing the value of real estate and the region's attractiveness. Therefore, when considering wind parks, developers must collaborate with local communities to create synergies that activate employment, potentially foster new businesses, and enhance the quality of life and leisure options.