Wind Energy Planning

Whilst not in anyway qualified in acoustics, I surprised myself by becoming rather fascinated by the subject when I realized that although you can measure sound very objectively, the effect of this sound on humans varies extensively and is very much linked to psychology. People who are very opposed to wind energy projects and perceive them to be something bad or harmful react very differently to people supportive of wind energy if perceiving any source of noise from the wind turbines. An example of the plethora of reasons why this might result in some people have different experiences than others is “the cognitive itch” used to describe a re-occurring memory of something- like a catchy tune continually replaying in someone’s head.

I have experienced a situation (the only wind farm in the UK where a noise issue appears to not have been resolved) where a resident is being affected by a wind farm. However whenever the landowner or other people visit the house, they either cannot hear the noise or can only barely hear it. Sound and how it is perceived differently by humans is a subject we still have much to learn about. What is clear is that the occurrences of disturbance from wind turbines are extremely rare and if we are to tackle climate change through renewable energy sources such as wind energy we have to put matters into perspective… The river noise lapping at my back doorstep may provide me and all of my neighbours with much in the way of sleep disturbance this winter but at least if I’m flooded I’ll have friends to put me up unlike those in the less developed world who may well lose their homes or even their lives.

It may well be that one or two people are being genuinely affected by noise from wind turbines and there is evidence to suggest that unsympathetic handling of noise complaints causes further stress. Developers should do whatever they can to deal with rare complaints. However anti-wind farm campaigners worried about their house prices or those who go around the country making money from objecting to proposals- should not be so irresponsible as to use it to scare communities so much that they cause unnecessary concern and distress.