Biodiversity and wind power: Are they at odds, and what are the solutions?

Wind turbines are essential tools for the transition to cleaner energy systems, but as the buildout progresses, questions around their biodiversity impact on land and offshore are becoming louder.

Many new projects face legal challenges over the protection of birds in particular. 

In Europe, the energy crisis following the war in Ukraine has led policymakers to reduce the compliance burden for new projects on land. Offshore, biodiversity advocates warn that a vast wind buildout risks the extinction of seabirds and sea animals. 

In our 100th episode of Energy Evolution, we hear from Lena Fritsche of wind developer ABO Wind about long delays to new projects due to biodiversity rules, and from Ewout van Galen, director of the North Sea Foundation, which works to protect ecosystems in one of the world’s busiest seas.

Energy Evolution co-hosts Dan Testa and Taylor Kuykendall are veteran journalists with broad expertise covering the energy and mining sectors. In addition, Camellia Moors and Camilla Naschert, reporters who write about mining and power issues, are correspondents for Energy Evolution and regularly contribute to the show. Subscribe to Energy Evolution on your favorite platform to catch our latest episodes! Read the full article on biodiversity considerations for wind power here: 

https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/biodiversity-questions-loom-larger-as-europe-s-wind-fleet-expands-77364736