The impact of wind turbines development to birds

Introduction:

Wind turbines are an increasingly popular form of renewable energy, but concerns have been raised about their impact on birds. In this report, we will analyze the effect of wind turbines on birds and evaluate the necessity of wind power development.

Effect of Wind Turbines on Birds:

The primary concern with wind turbines and birds is the risk of collision. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, wind turbines kill an estimated 140,000 to 328,000 birds annually in the United States. This number represents a small fraction of the total bird deaths caused by human-related activities, which are estimated to be around 2.7 to 6.8 billion annually. Another study conducted by the American Wind Wildlife Institute found that bird fatalities from wind turbines are highly variable and depend on the location and design of the turbines. For example, older, smaller turbines placed in high-risk areas such as migratory pathways can have a greater impact on bird populations. However, it's important to note that while wind turbines can pose a risk to birds, other human-related activities such as building collisions, communication towers, and vehicle collisions are far more significant contributors to bird fatalities. Additionally, some studies have suggested that bird fatalities from wind turbines can be mitigated by proper placement and design, such as avoiding high-risk areas and using slower-moving turbine blades.

Necessity of Wind Power Development:

Despite concerns about their impact on birds, wind turbines are a critical component of the transition to renewable energy sources. The International Energy Agency estimates that wind power will need to provide 18% of the world's electricity by 2025 to meet climate change goals. Moreover, wind power is a clean and renewable energy source that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, wind power can provide economic benefits to local communities by creating jobs and reducing energy costs.

Conclusion:

While wind turbines can pose a risk to birds, their impact is relatively small compared to other human-related activities. Moreover, wind power is a critical component of the transition to renewable energy sources and can provide significant environmental and economic benefits. As such, it is important to continue to develop and improve wind power technology while also working to mitigate its impact on birds and other wildlife.

Vertical axis wind turbine(VAWT)’s advantages and less impact to birds

Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have some advantages over horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). Unlike HAWTs, VAWTs can operate in turbulent and variable wind conditions, which makes them more suitable for use in urban and residential areas. They also have a smaller physical footprint and can be mounted at lower heights, making them easier to install and maintain.

Regarding the impact on birds, research suggests that VAWTs may have a lower impact on bird populations compared to HAWTs. This is because VAWTs typically have a slower rotational speed, and their blades move in a vertical motion, which reduces the likelihood of collisions with birds. In addition, VAWTs are often smaller in size and are typically located closer to the ground, which means they are less likely to be in the flight paths of migratory birds.

A study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that bird fatalities from VAWTs are relatively low, with an estimated 1-2 bird fatalities per turbine per year. In comparison, HAWTs were found to have an estimated 2-14 bird fatalities per turbine per year, depending on the location and design of the turbine.

While VAWTs may have a lower impact on bird populations compared to HAWTs, it is still important to conduct thorough environmental impact assessments before installing any type of wind turbine. This includes identifying high-risk areas for bird collisions and taking steps to minimize the impact on vulnerable bird populations.

Overall, the development of VAWTs represents an opportunity to expand wind power generation while minimizing the impact on bird populations. However, more research is needed to fully understand the environmental impacts of VAWTs and to optimize their design to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal impact on wildlife.