Studies show that in Germany wind generators are responsible for the deaths of around 1,200 tons of insects a year. There are over 25,000 wind turbines installed across the country by now; in addition to killing birds and bats, they are also harmful for insects, as well.
Though wind generators are supposed to generate more energy with stronger winds, it is not necessarily so in real life. In 2001, a team of Dutch and Danish researchers published an article in Nature journal stating that dead insects stuck to blades may reduce the wind turbine output by half.
This is attributed to the increased roughness on the blades’ surface, which hampers their efficient rotation.
Wind power stations may attract insects with their blade colour, turbine-emitted heat and blinking lights. Moreover, the turbines affect local climatic conditions, changing wind, precipitation, temperature and evaporation at the radius of 20 km around the station.
The German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) recent study concludes that, estimating that approximately 24,000 tons of insects might pass through Germany’s wind parks during the summer. Approximately 5% of them are killed by turbine blades, which amounts to about 1,200 tons of dead insects a year.
This impact has profound implications for the survival of entire insect populations over the next 15 years. This is especially true for those flying at altitudes of 20 to 220 metres – the operational altitudes of wind turbine blades.
Despite the widespread assumption that the primary culprit behind insect decline is industrial agriculture, the largest population reductions are observed in Europe and in the United States where agricultural lands have shrunk, but wind farms have proliferated.
Dr. Franz Trieb from the Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics has highlighted the substantial impact of wind power stations on insects stating that the consequences for flying insects cannot be dismissed as trivial. His observes that insects, birds and bats are attracted to the same strong winds, as wind power stations.
These findings underscore the need for a deeper exploration of the environmental impact of wind turbines and development of new technologies and approaches with a view of mitigating their adverse effects.
Freen is offering its innovative solutions in the field of wind energy.
FREEN offers its innovative wind energy solutions in response to these challenges. The company’s developments are distinguished by the creation of a small wind generators integrating cutting-edge scientific research and engineering advancements aiming to minimize ecological harm.
A pivotal aspect of the FREEN’s technology is the optimized blade rotation speed, capped at 108 revolutions per minute. This curtails the risk posed to birds, bats, and insects. The company also focuses on the development of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes to reduce the carbon footprint of its products.
FREEN is committed to sustainable development and protection of biodiversity. The company’s approach exemplifies the company also focuses on the development of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes to reduce their products’ carbon footprint substantially. Such initiatives represent a significant stride in harmonizing technological advancements with ecological conservation.
Possibility of balancing renewable energy progress with nature conservation. The company’s developments open up new avenues for the creation of energy systems that will be both efficient and environmentally safe fostering a sustainable and healthy future for our planet.
Thus, in the context of new environmental challenges, FREEN’s innovations represent an important step towards reducing the harmful effects of wind turbines on endangered species and important ecosystem components, such as birds, bats and insects. This approach demonstrates how technological progress and sustainable development can coexist, ensuring a future where humanity and nature are in harmony.
