frequently asked questions
At Wind Capital Group we build wind farms that place serious focus on support and long term involvement of local communities and we are committed to protection of the environment and wildlife. Consideration of environmentally sensitive resources at Wind Capital Group begins early in project development and remains and integral part of a project throughout development, design, and construction.
What are the environmental benefits of wind power?
Most of our energy is derived from burning traditional fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas. As our demand for electricity increases, fossil fuels are running out and also have a detrimental effect on the environment. Wind energy can help to conserve fossil fuels as well as generate clean, renewable energy.
Wind is the most commercially viable renewable energy technology in the world today; wind power produces no emissions or by-products of any kind. Wind power - as the least expensive, most developed renewable energy technology, and the fastest to build - is the best placed renewable technology to deliver carbon emissions reductions on a large scale, quickly.
Why is there sometimes opposition to wind energy projects?
Local opposition to proposed wind farms arises because some people perceive that the development will change what they are used to. It is true that a large wind farm can be a significant change, but while some people express concern about the effect wind turbines have on the beauty of our landscape, others see them as elegant and beautiful, or as symbols of a better, less polluted future. The visual effect of wind farms is a subjective issue, but most of the criticisms made about wind energy today are exaggerated or untrue and simply reflect attempts by particular groups to discredit the technology, worry local communities and turn them against proposed projects. In the electronic age, myths and misinformation about wind power spread at lightning speed.
How much land is needed for a utility scale wind plant?
Wind farms take up less space than most people think. The areas around the turbines can be used for farming, ranching and grazing. In open, flat terrain, a utility-scale wind plant will require about 60 acres per megawatt of installed capacity. However, only 1.5% (1 acre) or less of this area is actually occupied by turbines, access roads and other equipment - 98.5% remains free for other compatible uses such as farming or ranching.
What are common wind power misconceptions?
Wind farm projects, like all other energy technologies, have some environmental impact. However, unlike most conventional technologies, which have regional and even global impacts due to their emissions and fuel imports, the impact of wind energy systems is minimal. The wind energy industry has implemented many practices leading to greater protection of the environment and wildlife. Wind Capital Group conducts Environmental Resource Evaluations at all of our wind farm sites and we consult with regulators and engage specialists as needed to investigate identified issues of potential concern and develop methods to avoid or minimize impacts to sensitive resources.
Acoustic Study
Wind Capital Group carries out sound assessments in accordance with industry standards to ensure that there will be minimal impact on nearby properties. Regulatory agencies agree that 50 decibels at approximately 1,000 ft. present no sound issues for residents. An operating wind farm at a distance of 1,000 ft. is no noisier than a kitchen refrigerator or a moderately quiet room. Wind plants are very, very quiet compared to other types of energy facilities. Virtually everything with moving parts will make some sound, and wind turbines are no exception. However, well-designed wind turbines are generally very quiet in operation, and compared to the noise of road traffic, trains, aircraft or agricultural activities, to name but a few, the noise from wind turbines is very low.
Source/activity indicative noise level dB (A), Source: AWEA
Wildlife
Wind Capital Group is committed to wildlife protection; we work with the State Department of Conservation and with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to conduct studies early on in the wind farm planning process to identify any potential issues. Wind, a 100% clean energy source, is one of the healthiest energy options, and one of the most compatible with animals and humans. Modern day wind farms are collectively far less harmful to birds than cats, power lines, buildings, hunters, vehicles, communication towers or pesticides. The National Audubon Society publicly endorses the use of modern wind turbines and wind farms as a means of creating clean, renewable energy.
Shadow Flicker
Shadow flicker (sunlight flashing through moving turbine blades) occurred in earlier wind facilities. With today’s technology, computer modeling during project design can greatly reduce flicker issues, and in most cases proper planning can eliminate it entirely. The possibility of shadow flicker is investigated early on as part of the environmental assessments during the wind farm planning process. As part of the design of its wind farms, Wind Capital Group utilizes a software program called WindFarmer® that analyzes the arc of the sun throughout the year to avoid shadow flicker.
The information we are providing is designed to give simple answers to frequently asked questions. To support our evidence we use facts and figures from independent sources. We hope you find this information helpful, please do not hesitate to contact us with additional questions or for further information.