How green is wind power in reality?

Wind power is a renewable, nearly emission-free form of energy production. It plays a significant role in achieving Finland’s energy goals. It is also one of the most energy-efficient ways to generate electricity, as wind itself is an endless resource for electricity generation and does not require separate transportation to the production site. Wind power does not pollute the air, water, or soil, and a modern wind turbine generates the energy used in its manufacturing, construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning within 5–8 months.

Do wind turbine blades spread harmful substances into nature?

The blades of wind turbines are largely composed of materials such as glass and carbon fiber, epoxy resin, and core materials like wood or plastic in a sandwich structure. The blades are coated with either paint or gel coat. These coatings protect the epoxy resin and other materials used in the interior of the blades, preventing them from dissolving into the surrounding environment, for example, with water.

The surface materials ensure that the blades maintain their functionality throughout the planned operational life of the turbines. Blades are also regularly inspected, and any wear on the surface is repaired. It is highly unlikely that turbines would release harmful substances into nature and subsequently into the human body, even though materials like epoxy resin are used in their construction.

Is wind power a threat to mammals?

The impacts of wind power projects on wildlife are carefully studied and modeled during their planning phase. Assessments include environmental impact assessments, which involve surveys of the local fauna, as well as during the zoning phase.

In wind parks, there is a significant presence of game animals and other mammals. Observations suggest that wind turbines and their operations do not disturb the behavior and presence of these animals in the area.

What impact does wind power have on birds?

Compared to mammals, wind power has a greater impact on avian species because turbines pose a collision risk, and the movement of the blades can have a disruptive effect on bird nesting and foraging. However, these effects can be minimized by planning the locations and number of turbines while considering environmental values. When turbines are placed in areas with low species density and low probabilities of collisions, the construction of wind turbines is unlikely to pose a significant threat to birds.

The impact of wind power on bird species has been studied through extensive monitoring and assessments. According to these studies, the impact of wind parks on, for example, bird migration routes has been minimal, as migratory birds tend to navigate around the parks. Wind power also does not seem to affect the locations of bird feeding and resting areas significantly. Based on the investigations, bird collisions with turbines have been less frequent than initially estimated during the planning phase of projects.

Does wind power cause significant noise pollution?

Like nearly all industrial activities, the generation of wind power produces sound. However, advancements in wind turbine development have led to a reduction in their initial noise levels in recent years.

In Finland, the sound levels of wind turbines are regulated by a government decree on sound level limits. According to the decree, the sound emitted from turbines must not exceed 40 decibels at night and 45 decibels during the day in outdoor areas of permanent or leisure residences. Therefore, the noise impact from turbines is, at its highest, comparable to, for example, the humming of a refrigerator. The decree, which came into effect in 2015, tightened the guidelines compared to the previous regulations. Currently, the permitted sound levels from wind turbines are 5–10 decibels lower in the vicinity of inhabited areas compared to other permissible sound levels for human activities.

Does the infrasound from wind turbines cause negative health effects?

Infrasound refers to low-frequency sound that humans can only hear when its intensity reaches 100–120 decibels. However, the infrasound produced by wind turbines typically remains around 50–70 decibels, which is below the audible range for humans.

We are exposed to various infrasounds daily, as they occur in nature and as part of different industrial processes. Sources of infrasound include waves and wind, as well as traffic and running appliances, such as washing machines. The infrasound generated by wind turbines does not differ in any way from other inaudible infrasounds to which humans are commonly exposed to.

The health effects of infrasound have been studied using scientific methods both in Finland and globally. According to research findings, inaudible infrasound is not associated with health effects.

Can you move freely within wind parks?

Except during the construction phase, wind parks are not fenced, so people can move freely within the area after the park is completed. This means activities such as mushroom picking, berry picking, hunting, and other recreational pursuits are allowed in wind parks. The road infrastructure built and improved for the turbines can even facilitate movement within the area. 

In winter frost, ice may accumulate on the blades of wind turbines, so it is advisable to avoid moving near the turbines. Most of the ice detaches from the blades due to vibration and pressure as the blades pass the tower of the turbine. However, the freezing of the blades can be reduced, for example, through blade heating.

How do wind turbines produce electricity?

The amount of energy a wind turbine produces depends on the speed and distribution of the wind. Wind turbines are therefore positioned in windy locations, and the wind conditions of potential project areas are carefully studied before planning a wind park. The hub height of wind turbines also matters in terms of energy production. Wind speed increases significantly at higher elevations, which is why taller turbines generate more electricity.

One wind turbine produces approximately 18,000–30,000 megawatt-hours per year. This corresponds to covering the electricity needs of at least about 900 and at most about 2,300 electrically heated households, with their annual electricity consumption ranging from 13,000 to 20,000 kilowatt-hours.

How much electricity do wind turbines generate?

The amount of energy a wind turbine produces depends on the speed and distribution of the wind. Wind turbines are therefore positioned in windy locations, and the wind conditions of potential project areas are carefully studied before planning a wind park. The hub height of wind turbines also matters in terms of energy production. Wind speed increases significantly at higher elevations, which is why taller turbines generate more electricity.

One wind turbine produces approximately 18,000–30,000 megawatt-hours per year. This corresponds to covering the electricity needs of at least about 900 and at most about 2,300 electrically heated households, with their annual electricity consumption ranging from 13,000 to 20,000 kilowatt-hours.

Do wind turbines cause disturbing flickering?

Flickering occurs when the moving blades of a wind turbine cast a shadow as the sun is shining from behind the turbine. The variation of light and shadow is noticeable only on sunny days and during specific times, meaning only for certain hours throughout the year. Flickering is also taken into account when obtaining building permits for wind farms. As the placement of turbines considers a sufficient distance to residential areas in terms of sound, it usually helps to avoid flickering-related disturbances as well.

Is it profitable to build solar power plants in Finland?

Previously it was thought that building solar power in Finland is not worthwhile, since we get a lot less of sunshine compared to Southern countries. However, solar power technology has advanced tremendously in recent years. The panels are much more efficient nowadays, and their construction is cheaper than before. Therefore, solar power is a profitable investment even with the solar resources in Finland.

Many parts of Finland, especially in the Southwest, have good solar resources. They are comparable to Northern Germany, where several solar power plants have been built. Solar power can be utilized especially during spring and summer, which brings balance to the field of renewable energy: wind power production decreases slightly in the summer compared to other seasons.

Building solar power in Finland is also beneficial for operational reasons. Nowadays, solar panels can harness light reflected from snow, in addition to direct sunlight. The lifespan of the panels in Northern conditions is also higher compared to panels in Southern countries. Panels heat up more in the warmth of the South, which can reduce their lifespan.

Does solar power cause significant noise pollution?

The solar panels themselves do not generate noise, but some emanates from other infrastructures of the power plants. When operating, the inverters and transformers of the plants produce some noise. Inverters operate only when the sun is shining, which means that at night, for instance, they do not make any noise.

The noise disturbance is highest near the power plants and decreases as one moves away from the solar facility. However, the protective distances related to the construction of the plants ensure that there is no significant noise impact from solar power plants that would reach nearby residential areas.