Reality check – Debunking Six Myths about Wind Energy

There are numerous myths surrounding wind energy. Some claim that wind turbines remain motionless, harm birds, and cannot be recycled. These misconceptions continue to influence public debates on wind energy. We have fact-checked the six most persistent myths about wind energy.

Myth #2: “Wind turbines kill birds.”

A myth that persists and is often automatically mentioned in connection with wind turbines is that wind turbines are responsible for many bird accidents. However, this is not entirely true, as only in rare cases do birds collide with turbines, when they perceive them as an obstacle too late. To protect wildlife, wind farm planners adhere to the strict requirements outlined in the German Federal Nature Conservation Act.

In contrast, glass panels pose a much greater threat to birds. Each year in Germany, over 18 million birds are killed due to collisions with glass, excluding incidents at bus stops.

Myth #3: “The infrasound generated by wind turbines makes people sick.”

Infrasound refers to sounds below a frequency of 20 hertz, which are inaudible to humans. A popular myth suggests that this infrasound negatively affects human health, causing headaches, dizziness, nausea, or stress. Is this true?

Infrasound is an integral part of our environment and can be generated by both natural and human-made sources. Natural sources include wind, thunderstorms, volcanoes, and meteorites. Technical sources of infrasound include air conditioning and ventilation systems, automobiles, refrigerators, and wind turbines. However, we do not need to worry about our wind turbines. Infrasound is masked by other natural sounds in the environment and is so low in intensity that humans cannot hear it even a few hundred meters away.

Myth #4: “Wind turbines are not recyclable.”

A wind turbine has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years before it is dismantled. What happens to their components? Contrary to the myth, wind turbines do not necessarily require dismantling once the financial support provided by the Renewable Energy Law expires. They can continue operating. However, if dismantling becomes necessary, up to 90 percent of the components can be recycled, including metal components, the electrical system, foundations, and the tower.

Myth #5: “Wind energy is not energy efficient.”

Another myth fundamentally challenges wind power: Are wind turbines even efficient? After about seven months, a wind turbine produces enough energy to pay for the energy used to build, operate, and dismantle it. For every additional hour of operation, the wind turbine produces clean electricity – after deductions and for at least 20 years. This is not possible for other conventional power plants. So the answer is yes, wind turbines are efficient.

Myth #6: “Wind turbines destroy the landscape.”

A myth that divides opinions: Wind turbines blight the landscape. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Historical windmills, for instance, were considered unsightly after their completion and are now part of our landscape and visual habit. So why shouldn't we get used to wind turbines in our fields and forests? Just two percent of Germany's total land area is enough to make the necessary contribution to wind energy.

By the way, wind turbines do not harm our forests either. Especially in valuable deciduous and mixed forests or in protected areas, no wind turbines may be erected because they are excluded from the use of wind energy. Wind farms are often built on small areas, including forests that have been affected by pests or drought.