Environmental impacts of wind machine

Wind power produces no emissions during operation, but wind machines still have environmental impacts.

Negative impacts

1. Noise: aerodynamic noise from blades and mechanical noise from the gearbox, which can disturb nearby residents (typically 40–50 dB at 300 m).
2. Visual impact: large turbines change the landscape, important in scenic and tourist areas such as Mustang.
3. Birds and bats: collision with rotating blades and loss of habitat; bird migration routes should be checked.
4. Land use and habitat disturbance: roads, foundations and transmission lines; erosion, vegetation loss in hilly areas.
5. Shadow flicker and blade glint: moving shadows through windows.
6. Electromagnetic interference with TV, radio and radar signals.
7. Safety: blade throw, ice throw, tower fire.
8. Manufacturing and disposal: energy for steel, concrete and blades; blade waste (fibreglass is difficult to recycle).
9. Offshore: effect on marine life during construction.

Positive/mitigation

• Zero operational CO₂, SO₂ and water use.
• Mitigation by proper siting (EIA), distance from homes, slow-rotating large turbines, bird radar and curtailment, careful road design and rehabilitation of land.