Large wind turbines do not cause noise issues for residents, says report

Large wind turbines do not produce any more low frequency noise than small ones, concludes new research which studied noise and ‘annoyance levels’.

The research, by Consultancy Delta and University of Salford in Manchester for the Danish Energy Authority, was carried out due to concerns that replacing older, smaller turbines with newer, bigger ones would cause low frequency noise problems. But in fact, there is very little difference, say the researchers.

Analyses carried out inside the houses of people living near the turbines show that when external noise is similar to before (with the older turbines), the low frequency noise inside is very similar.

“This study is again welcome proof that despite the nay-sayers, wind turbines do not present any dangers to the public”, said Glória Rodrigues, EWEA’s Head of Policy Analysis.

Read more: http://www.ewea.org/fileadmin/Wind_Watch/WW_Dec_2010.pdf and http://www.delta.dk/