Landscape, environment and planning

Wind turbines are visible in the landscape. If they are located to blend in with the surroundings, there are too many obstacles blocking the wind. Wind turbines have a lifespan of 20 years. Long term planning is therefore essential to guarantee the necessary considerations of landscape and environment.

 

Modern wind turbines have a height of more than 100 m. Danish aviation authorities therefore demand obstruction markings to certify aviation safety. At the same time, the environmental authorities want obstruction markings which are disturbance-free to nature and neighbours. Obstruction marking is a good example of the considerations and problems of siting wind turbines.

 

Local planning

The size of modern wind turbines is a new challenge for local and regional authorities. New planning guidelines must replace the present outdated versions in order to consider locating new large wind turbines without disregarding environment and landscape. There are still many excellent sites in Denmark – but using them requires forethought.

 

New locations with a height requirement of 100-150 m must be appointed. Local authorities should have targets for wind turbine development linked to the local planning policy to make sure that the national goal is met.

 

Related links

Read more about environmental aspects of wind energy

Watch obstruction marking simulation from Nysted offshore wind farm