Until recently it was unclear to what extent, and under what conditions, noise from wind energy plants is perceived as annoying and irritating. Now the initial results of a study by the Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg are available. Environmental psychologists Gundula Hübner and Johannes Pohl, in cooperation with Civil Engineer Joachim Gabriel of the German Wind Energy Institute (Deutsche Windenergie-Institut, DEWI), analyzed the effects of a wind farm in the Lower Saxony town of Wilstedt. The results are clear and unmistakable: the wind farm stays well within the established limits for noise levels. On the whole, the interviewees had positive attitudes about the wind farm. Only a minority of 10% reported experiencing quite a strong level of noise pollution. In spite of the positive results, solutions are being sought in Wilstedt for further minimizing the noise from the wind farm, beyond the (well adhered to) emission control standards.
The wind energy plant manufacturer Enercon further offers an operational mode which guarantees a reduction in noise pollution. Based on consultation with the plant operators, this mode is to be tested in a model program over the next six months in Wilstedt. Following this process the residents will be interviewed once again.
