Addressing public concerns about wind power
Wind turbines are beautiful to some, monstrous to others; but shouldn't we be able to debate the issues in an informed and constructive way?
CSE has today published a research paper that addresses some of the misconceptions surrounding wind energy.
‘Common concerns about wind power’ draws on peer-reviewed articles and government-funded analysis, and was written in response to requests from community groups for factual information about the subject.
Separate chapters look in detail at a range of issues including efficiency, energy payback times, subsidies, shadow flicker and epilepsy, noise, bat and bird mortality, and effects on property prices. It also has a section on nuclear power.
You can download the research paper here.
Simon Roberts, CSE Chief Executive, said “Of all renewable energy sources, wind power occupies a unique place in the public consciousness and generates strong opinions, both for and against. For the most part the debate is emotive and unhelpful, with both sides cherry-picking convenient facts to support their entrenched position whilst ignoring evidence to the contrary.
“Our research paper aims to present pertinent research in a more balanced manner and we hope that it will make the debate less polarised and generate informed and constructive discussion.
“CSE’s view is that wind power is a necessary part of the energy mix that is required to meet our carbon emission reduction targets and help tackle climate change. However, wind power is not appropriate everywhere, and we believe it is the duty of local communities themselves to decide where there is a place for it through engaging responsibly with the best available evidence, and through working together to assess their own locality.”
