In the press release below, NWEA responds to reports from various media outlets about the relationship between health and wind turbines.
Intent March 22, 2024
NWEA (Netherlands Wind Energy Association) notes that in recent days various media have quoted people claiming that there is a direct link between wind turbines and health damage. We understand the concerns of wind farm residents that have arisen as a result of this report.
Much research has been done on this supposed relationship, but so far no clear connection has been found other than an “inconvenience” health effect. For all other health effects, these links are not clear National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
For example, sources indicate that newer, larger wind turbines make more noise. this is not true. Larger windmills don't make any more noise than smaller ones, nor do they make a special kind of low-pitched noise that can cause problems. There are rules in the Netherlands that limit how much noise pollution wind turbines can cause, regardless of how big or how new they are. These rules protect people near wind turbines. Just as there are rules for other types of noise, such as cars or trains.
There is a noise limit of 47 Lden dB(A) for wind turbines. This means that the noise level is measured in a way that is fairly comparable to noise pollution from other sources. So there is A tougher rule is coming Which states that the noise from wind turbines should be reduced to 45 Lden dB(A). This means better protection against noise pollution for people living near wind turbines.
One case of noise pollution at Meeden (N33) was specifically mentioned: there was already a buzzing noise problem there due to a design error. This problem has been taken seriously, the necessary measures have been taken, and consultations with the residents of the area are continuing. In the wake of this incident, the NWEA itself put forward a proposal on regulating this tonal noise. The government has considered this proposal.
The wind energy sector supports more research, even after all the studies that have already been conducted. He. She Neville researched is a good example. This began two years ago with the help of the government and other groups, including some doctors who are now taking action against research they helped shape. The investigation is looking into people's complaints and was completed on time. Some people are criticizing the results now, and here's why Follow-up study. We support that too.
Wind projects help fight climate change and make us less dependent on gas from Russia. We know that this can sometimes cause problems, such as noise pollution. We like to hear criticism. However, unfounded complaints do not help when discussing wind energy in our community.
NWEA will continue to make efforts to pay full attention to minimizing the inconvenience to local residents in further development of onshore wind energy.
