Wind power under the microscope
Wind power fact check: opportunities, risks & hidden consequences
Maurice Forgeng, EPOCH TIMES
In Germany, wind power has already become the highest-yielding source of electricity – at least on an annual average. Most headlines about these windy power plants are positive. But this technology also has its downsides.
With this excerpt we want to draw attention to the work of the Epoch Times energy-policy editors, who highlight aspects of this central topic that are otherwise hardly discussed, if at all. These include infrasound from a physical and medical perspective, invisible abrasion, financial risks and citizens’ concerns.
All linked articles are in German.
Infrasound from a physicist’s point of view: the inaudible danger?
You cannot hear infrasound from wind turbines, but that does not mean you cannot perceive it. If you could hear it, it would be like a dripping tap that keeps you awake – unlike the sound of the sea, with which people even like to sleep with the window open. Guest author and physicist Dieter Böhme explains the differences and the dangers.
From windfall to capital destroyer: German wind power companies in a downwind
Many wind power companies are in crisis. Not only the finances of the operators are in a poor state, but sometimes also those of the manufacturers. A risk for municipalities, which often see wind power as a source of risk-free lease income.
“100 kg of abrasion per year”: this is how many particles a large wind turbine releases into its surroundings
He has spent several years studying intensively what wind turbines release into the environment. In the interview, Thomas Mock describes everything that comes off them and to what extent the particles can also endanger people’s health.
“10 kilometres and more”: specialist doctor sees a growing range of infrasound effects from wind turbines
A scientific dispute about infrasound from wind turbines is playing out quietly in the background. In an exclusive interview, Dr. med. Ursula Bellut-Staeck describes the current state of affairs between the German Environment Agency and the Deutsche Schutzgemeinschaft Schall. The specialist issues a particular warning for pregnant women.
The wind power controversy, episode 1: concerned citizens
The controversy surrounding wind power is not abating. On the contrary: expansion is being promoted by politicians in order to achieve the climate targets with the energy transition, but at the same time resistance is growing among the population.
Epoch Times travelled to eight federal states and spoke with residents, citizens’ initiatives, politicians and wind power project managers. So what lies behind this conflict, and are there compromises or a golden mean?
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The technology section of Epoch Times regularly reports on current developments in energy, digitalisation and innovation – with a critical eye on opportunities, risks and technological trends in everyday life.
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Photo: Ladanifer/iStock, illustration: Juklin Lam/Epoch Times
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