Comprehensive report about the notorious Altamount Pass Wind Resource Area in California. Goes beyond counting fatalities by looking at interactions between various bird species and the wind turbines suggesting that, with further research, mitigation measures to significantly reduce bird fatalities in the areas will be possible, focussing on turbine size, layout, swept area and blade speed as well as the impact of turbines on increasing predators who prey on the various bird species suffering in the area.v show details
Government statement regarding the findings of the Salford University report into Aerodynamic Modulation of Wind Turbine Noise. The statement described the background to the commissioning of the University of Salford study and its findings. Based on these findings, Government does not consider there to be a compelling case for further work into aerodynamic modulation and will not carry out any further research at this time; however it will continue to keep the issue under review. (URN 07/1276)v show details
This is a guide to an evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings (1Hz to 80Hz). Click on link and type in BS code in search box on left of screen. British Standard BS 6472 (vibration).v show details
Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas. Click on link and type in BS code in search box on left of screen.v show details
A report focusing on the data available regarding the impact of low frequency noise on human behaviour, sleep periods, task performance and social attitudes. The sources, symptoms, limits and thresholds are discussed with examples. Specific reference to wind turbines and human health is made in section 13.2 (p 54).
The report has been written for local authorities, environmental action groups, low-frequency noise-sufferers, health professionals and acousticians.v show details
Subtitled 'A study of UK practice and comparison with leading European countries' this study, carried out for for Renewables Advisory Board and DTI, sought to establish a firmer evidence base about the scale and nature of community benefits and the processes involved in negotiating benefits in the UK.
Section 5 addresses the UK situation and section 7 compares the UK experience with other European Countries. A number of the recommendations proposed by this report have since been taken forward - see 'Delivering community benefits from wind energy development, A Toolkit' and 'The Protocol for Public Engagement with Proposed Wind Energy Developments in England/Scotland/Wales'. (DTI URN: 05/1322)v show details
The summary of a study carried out for Renewables Advisory Board and DTI to establish a firmer evidence base about the scale and nature of community benefits and the processes involved in negotiating benefits in the UK. See also 'Community benefits from wind power. A study of UK practice and comparison with leading European countries' for full report. (DTI URN: 05/2033).v show details
This toolkit is designed for the Renewables Advisory Board and DTI to help to make meaningful community benefits more routine and systematic in UK wind energy projects. Part of a suite of papers providing guidance on good practice and community involvement in wind energy developments. See also: 'The Protocol for Public Engagement with Proposed Wind Energy Developments in England', 'Onshore Wind Energy Planning Conditions Guidance Note' and 'Bankable Models which enable local community wind farm ownership'. (DTI URN: 06/1817)v show details
This is a study to determine if it is feasible to modify radars to remove any effects caused by wind turbines. It contains a 4-page summary which provides sufficient detail to understand the methodology implemented and how effects can be mitigated. Link to report and summary on webpage.v show details
A helpline for people planning new commercial wind farms who are concerned about aviation issues. The MOD has set up this wind energy and aviation helpline - which is open from 09.00 to 17.00 monday to thursday, and 09.00 to 16.00 on fridays. The number is 0121 311 3847 or if that is busy, you can call: 07901 751 770. You can call this number regarding any wind energy and aviation related inquiry, whether it's about consultation, particular cases, scoping etc.v show details
Commissioned by the Government following the publication of the Hayes McKenzie study, this research into aerodynamic modulation (AM) of wind turbine noise was produced by the University of Salford. It investigated claims that infrasound or low frequency noise emitted by wind turbine generators was causing health effects. The Salford University study concluded that although AM cannot be fully predicted, the incidence of AM resulting from wind farms in the UK is low. (URN 07/1235)v show details
This page links to a number of documents which describe the framework for the measurement of wind farm noise. They give indicative noise levels thought to offer a reasonable degree of protection to wind farm neighbours, without placing unreasonable restrictions on wind farm development or adding unduly to the costs and administrative burdens on wind farm developers or local authorities. (ETSU R-97)v show details
These guidelines were established to facilitate the development of wind energy to meet UK Government targets, whilst ensuring that the interests of both civil and military aviation are recognised. A must-read for local authorities, wind farm developers, statutory consultees and other interested bodies involved in wind energy proposals with the potential to impact on aviation activities. (URN: 02/1287)v show details
Detailed report which covers the various interactions between wind farms and radar systems. A summary is available on the website. For an overview and links to the full report, see the bottom of the webpage.v show details
This report analyses the European experience of dealing with wind turbine effects on civil and military aviation and how this compares to that of the UK. There is a useful summary on pages ii - iv which provides the key details for those dealing with enquiries about differing approaches between countries.v show details
An introduction to the consultation process for wind turbine developers and aeronautical and military bodies. Links on webpage to 'Wind energy and aviation interests - interim guidance' and a wind farm developers application proforma.v show details
DECC web pages with basic details about onshore wind, a wind-speed database and myth-buster. Also a section on planning and what you can do in your home.v show details
This paper provides a good overall introduction to the key issues used in the debate about birds and wind turbines. It begins with an explanation of the types of impact wind farms can have on birds (not just collision) and details of collision rate studies and explanations for particular findings at regularly cited locations such as Altamont Pass, California, and Tarifa, Spain. Of particular interest is the section on Method and Scope for Assessment (p7) which provides guidance on areas to be avoided by wind farms, content of 12-month field survey, collision risk models and the use of pre- and post-development monitoring which, among other things, will provide data for use in the assessment of future developments. Good reference list of studies relating to specific bird species.v show details
Published in the Journal of Applied Ecology 34: 941-948, 1997. Although this is not directly related to wind farm developments, this study illustrates that there are other additions to areas that will impact on bird species; wind farms present just another type of development that requires consideration.v show details
Published in the Journal of Applied Ecology 41: 72-81., 2004, this is an older (early 1990s) study of bird mortality and interaction with wind turbines at two wind farms in the Straits of Gibraltar, Spain. It provides information on this area which is a very important migration bottleneck between Europe and Africa. Relevant to UK applications involving migration flight paths.v show details
This is a study carried out by Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre focused on property sales near the Crystal Rig wind farm in the Scottish Borders. The study found that prices in the nearby town of Dunbar (10km north of the wind farm) had risen from below the regional average, to above the regional average over a four years period which saw the wind farm built and begin generating renewable energy.v show details
A short (4-page) briefing sheet which discusses the results of the many surveys carried out on the subject of public attitudes and wind farms.v show details
This is a short article which looks at 'local turbines for local people: a discussion on community wind power projects'. A useful introductory read to the issues around community wind projects from a Welsh community with experience.v show details
In May 2003, REPP released this report which concludes that statistical evidence does not support a contention that property values within the view shed of wind developments suffer or perfom poorer than in a comparable region. REPP continues to collect property value data to update its database with the latest figures.v show details
This paper proposes a practical method for establishing an exclusion zone around the path of a fixed radio link, outside of which a wind turbine will cause negligible degradation of the radio link performance. A technical paper (Version 1.1) is available for those wishing to understand the calculations behind the recommendations.v show details
This is a comprehensive report about the notorious Altamount Pass Wind Resource Area in California. It goes beyond just counting fatalities, by looking at interactions between various bird species and the wind turbines suggesting that, with further research, mitigation measures to significantly reduce bird fatalities in the areas will be possible. This focuses on turbine size, the layout, swept area and blade speed as well as the impact of turbines on increasing predators who prey on the various bird species suffering in the area.v show details
This report contains proceedings from the 11th International meeting on low frequency noise and vibration and its control. It is worth reading this short (8 pages) document if dealing with noise issues associated with wind turbines.v show details
These guidelines were prepared as a practical response to the need for action on community noise at a local level, as well as the need for improved legislation, management and guidance at the national and regional levels. Chapter 3 (p viii) considers the adverse health effects of noise.v show details
Results of a questionnaire-based survey of members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors; gauging initial opinions on the impact of wind farms on the value of residential property and agricultural land. Only 20% of the 405 respondents had experience of property dealings involving wind farms. Comments gathered relate to overall impact on prices; at what point of the wind farm development a price impact occurs (if at all); and whether changes are universal between all property dealings.v show details
This brief, non-technical report identifies aeronautical navigation systems that may be affected by wind turbines, but require further investigation in order to establish what mitigation and protection measures are required.v show details
An old report which reviews the impacts on birds of aerial structures, particularly focusing on the burgeoning wind turbine industry. It is quite detailed and contains a long list of references.v show details
This study, undertaken by Peter Dent and Dr Sally Sims of Oxford Brookes University with a grant from the RICS Education Trust, looks at whether a number of wind developments in Cornwall have had a negative effect on house prices.v show details
A short (12 pages) report which sets out the potential impacts of wind turbines on terrestrial TV reception and methods of mitigation and avoidance. A 'must-read' for anyone dealing with an application where telecommunications are an issue.v show details
A report which demonstrates that there are no technical, economic or resource barriers to supplying 12% of the world's electricity needs with wind power alone by 2020. Energy policy reform and international policies are discussed in the first half of the report, followed by individual country reports (see page 43 for UK).v show details
This is a report which outlines the main issues relating to onshore wind power and comments on its validity from a sustainable development perspective, in line with the principles outlined in the UK's new Framework for Sustainable Development. This is a must-read for anyone involved in wind energy developments; it is well presented, easy-to-read and includes reference relevant sections.v show details
This document focuses on actual air traffic management experience with wind turbines and their effects on radar as opposed to theoretical probability. It considers civil, military and en route radars and presents case study examples from the UK and abroad where wind turbines and radar systems successfully operate in the same area.v show details
This document sets out guidelines on wind turbines. The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for safety regulation of civil aviation in the United Kingdom under the Civil Aviation Act 1982. The Safety Regulation Group (SRG) is responsible for the regulation of licensed aerodromes and Air Traffic Services in the UK. The Directorate of Airspace Policy (DAP) is responsible for the planning and regulation of all UK airspace, including the communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) infrastructure, to support safe and efficient operations by the appropriate aviation stakeholder. DAP also has the lead responsibility for the CAA for all wind turbine related issues.v show details
A consultation proforma agreed between Renewable UK (formerly the BWEA) and key aviation issue consultees such as the MoD, NATS and CAA. It's considered in the interests of all developers to use the proforma when making enquiries to ensure that consultation responses are able to be dealt with quickly and consistently. Developers who don't, will be directed to it by the consultee with subsequent delays. Link to proforma at bottom of webpage.v show details
Microwave Link Exclusion Zones for Wind Turbines are normally based on Fresnel Zones around the Line of Sight path between the two antennae. This calculator gives the distances between the Line of Sight path and the Fresnel zones that surround it. v show details
This section of the Renewable UK (formerly BWEA) website brings together topics which relate to air space usage including telecommunications signals, radio links, electromagnetic interference, electrical transmission lines, radar, civil aviation and the Defence Estates.v show details
The independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.v show details
This site is managed by the Centre for Sustainable Energy in association with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG)