Myths & Facts
- Windfarms kill birds
The RSPB stated in its 2004 information leaflet 'Windfarms and Birds', that "in the UK, we have not so far witnessed any major adverse effects on birds associated with wind farms". The RSPB therefore supports windfarms that are well sited. Moreover, a recent report published in the weekly scientific journal 'Nature' confirmed that the greatest threat to bird populations in the UK is climate change.
- Windfarms should be built offshore
We will need a mix of both onshore and offshore wind energy to meet the UK's challenging targets on climate change. At present, onshore wind is more economical than development offshore and offshore windfarms take longer to develop, as the sea is a more hostile environment
- Windfarms bring down house prices
A study by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in 2007 found there is no clear impact on house values. This is the third such study in as many years by the RICS and the results have remained consistent.
- At what wind speeds do the turbines generate?
Wind turbines start operating at wind speeds of 3 to 4 metres per second (around 7-9 miles per hour) and reach maximum power output at around 15 metres per second (around 34 miles per hour). In gale force winds, (25 metres per second, 56 miles per hour) wind turbines shut down. The higher you go, the windier it is, and so even if you can only feel a gentle breeze at ground level, there is usually enough wind to power the turbine at the top of the tower. In the UK wind turbines, on average, generate electricity for around 80% of the year.
- How much electricity do modern wind turbines generate?
The amount of electricity produced by a wind turbine will depend on the wind speeds at the particular location, the type of turbine, and the height above ground level at which it is placed.
For site specific information, please see the project website's 'Benefits' page.
- Do windfarms receive subsidies?
Windfarms do not receive any grants or subsidies during their development. Their main source of revenue is from the sale of electricity, like any other generator. Windfarms, like all renewable energy generators, receive an additional income stream via the Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) which are earned for each megawatt hour of electricity generated. These certificates can then be sold to suppliers enabling them to fulfill their renewable energy obligation. The Government has set a target of 15% of our electricity to come from renewable sources by 2015 and 20% by 2020.
- What happens when the wind isn't blowing?
First of all, a recent Oxford University study "Wind Power and the UK Wind Resource" found that there has never been a time over the past 35 years when the entire country has been without wind, and that the wind always blows strongly enough to generate electricity somewhere in Britain. The study also showed that wind tends to blow more strongly when demand for electricity is highest, during the day and winter months.
On the occasion when the wind does stop blowing, electricity continues to be provided by other forms of generation, such as gas, coal, nuclear and hydro. Our electricity system is very flexible, and is capable of coping with large swings in both demand and supply. The demand for electricity varies, in a not always predictable fashion, minute by minute, hour by hour. It also copes regularly with the unexpected shutting down of large power stations, many times the size of a windfarm. With this flexibility it is possible to have at least 20% of the country's needs met by variable energy sources such as wind energy, without having to make any significant changes to the way the system operates.
- Are wind turbines noisy?
Wind turbine noise is barely detectable at ground level and at short distances from the turbines. It is possible to stand underneath a turbine and hold a conversation without having to raise your voice. As wind speed rises, the noise of the wind masks the noise made by wind turbines. Developers must comply with strict Government-established noise criteria, which have been in place since 1997, and ensure nearby residents are protected from any potential noise nuisance. The best way to judge this is to visit a windfarm and hear for yourself.
