The pros and cons of wind turbines
Wind park on Handalm, Styria
We are in the middle of the energy transition. From today's perspective, we generate the second most electricity with wind energy after the dominant energy generation from hydropower. Our demand for electricity is increasing and is set to almost double by 2040 according to a study by Österreich Energie together with PwC. This means we also need to increase our electricity generation from wind power. There is currently an intense debate about the expansion of wind power in Austria's southernmost province in the wake of the Carinthian referendum on a ban on wind turbines this January. Our scientific advisory board member, climate hunter Andreas Jäger, has taken a closer look at the topic.
Opponents of the expansion put forward various arguments. Today we want to shed light on two frequently mentioned aspects with the help of Andreas Jäger's calculations.
Wind turbines kill birds
On the one hand, the argument of bird strike is put forward by wind farm opponents. Should we therefore ban wind turbines? The climate hunter has taken a closer look at the figures:
The estimated number of birds killed by wind turbines is around 5 birds per wind turbine per year. The birds are surprised by the rotor tips, which rotate at speeds of up to 400 kilometers per hour, or they collide with the nacelle or the support leg when visibility is poor. Approximately 100,000 birds are killed in this way in Germany every year. Birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards are at risk, as are migratory birds such as cranes and geese, as well as songbirds.
Kills all cats?
But wind turbines are not the only danger to our birds and by no means the greatest. Cats are 100 times more dangerous for birds in general. They prey on around 10 million birds in German gardens and parks every year.
No more glass surfaces
Or our buildings with their glass facades and large window panes: Around 100 million birds break their necks on them every year. That's 1000 times more than are killed by wind turbines.
Killer agriculture
Intensive agriculture is also a major killer: in the past 25 years, we have lost around half of all field and meadow birds due to insect mortality and habitat loss.
Taking the problem seriously
According to climate hunters, bans are not the solution. But we must take the problem with the birds seriously and solve it. For example
- Continuous patterns and UV markings make glass surfaces visible to birds.
- Cat collars with bells can reduce the hunting success of cats by up to 50% and
- Wind turbines must and may only be erected where their damage is minimized.
Energy guzzler wind power
Furthermore, many opponents consider wind turbines to be energy guzzlers. The climate hunter calculates the resource consumption of a wind power plant compared to a gas-fired power plant and comes to the following conclusions:
Resource consumption Construction
To replace a 500 MW gas-fired power plant, 100 wind turbines have to be erected. A comparison of the construction of one gas-fired power plant and 100 wind turbines shows the following:
- The amount of concrete required for a gas-fired power plant and 100 wind turbines is roughly the same.
- You need more than twice as much steel for a gas-fired power plant.
- Wind turbines need 90 times more copper for the generator and cables than a gas-fired power plant.
- Wind turbines require plastic and rare earths.
- The land consumption of 100 wind turbines - with access roads and all the trimmings - is around 6 times higher than for a gas-fired power plant
Resource consumption Operation
So while the 100 wind turbines perform worse than the gas-fired power plant during construction, it is the operation of the gas-fired power plant that is the real problem. Here are some figures from our climate hunter:
- Over 300 million cubic meters of gas are burned every year,
- that is 10 billion cubic meters over the lifetime of 30 years.
- In total, a gas-fired power plant emits 20 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere
Note: The climate hunter has published two great videos on this topic on LinkedIn! Click here for the article: LINK
Our pro.earth.conclusion:
Our hunger for energy is increasing. That is an undeniable fact. And also the fact that we need to get out of coal, oil and gas. Also with the help of wind farms. The statement made by a Carinthian in a private conversation that the country must not be spoiled by wind turbines and that they should rather erect more of them in Burgenland was quite interesting. Because the hunger for energy is also increasing in this country. We see two aspects to the discussion. Firstly, we should all try to reduce our hunger for energy. And secondly, bans on wind power are not appropriate. However, careful consideration must be given to how many, where and how they can be erected with as little damage to the environment as possible.
