Facts and Myths About Wind Energy
Wind energy is one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly sources of energy. Nevertheless, many myths have arisen around wind turbines – from the alleged harmfulness of infrasound to supposed negative effects on climate, soil, or wildlife. Let’s see what scientific research says about these claims.
Fact: The blades are primarily made of glass and carbon fibers, but their share in global consumption of these materials is negligible. Their environmental impact is minimal.
Evidence: The production of one carbon bicycle consumes as much fiber as a turbine blade that provides electricity for one person for 25 years.
Fact: The level of infrasound emitted by turbines is comparable to that produced by wind or trees and does not exceed safety standards.
Evidence: The Polish Academy of Sciences report “Wind Power Plants in the Human Environment” (2022) shows that levels of infrasound are well below harmful thresholds.
Fact: Population studies do not confirm increased incidence of illnesses near wind farms.
Evidence: A Danish study covering 1.9 million people (Poulsen et al., 2019) found no increased risk of cardiovascular diseases among residents living near wind farms.
Fact: Experiments showing harmful effects involved unnaturally high laboratory conditions. In reality, noise and vibration levels are much lower.
Evidence: At just 700 meters from a turbine, vibration levels are lower than in a city. Storms and traffic generate far stronger vibrations.
Fact: Turbine power does not affect infrasound levels – they remain at natural background noise levels.
Evidence: The Polish Academy of Sciences report (2022) found no link between turbine size and neurological or circulatory diseases.
Fact: There is no mechanism because there is no evidence of harmful effects from turbine infrasound.
Evidence: Even people exposed to much stronger infrasound e.g. bus drivers, have not shown health problems.
Fact: Population studies do not support this risk.
Evidence: Research involving large groups of people (Poulsen et al., 2019) found no differences in cardiovascular health. Infrasound levels near turbines are lower than on a bus, so they pose no danger.
Fact: There is no evidence of a negative impact of wind farms on whale populations or other marine ecosystem elements.
Evidence: In the UK, with 13 GW of offshore wind capacity, no increase in whale mortality or adverse effects on bird or marine animal populations has been observed (DEFRA, 2021).
Fact: Wind turbines do not harm the climate, soil, or weather. The main sources of pollution and climate change is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil.
Evidence: WHO (2020) shows that coal smog shortens the life of Poles by an average of 9 months. Wind turbines have no such effect.
Wind turbines are often the subject of myths, usually arising from misunderstandings or misinformation. Analysis of research clearly shows that:The development of wind turbines is a key element of the energy transition, leading to a cleaner and safer future.
- Wind energy does not pose a threat to human or animal health,
- It does not harm the environment or the climate,
- It is a real alternative to harmful fossil fuels.
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