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Micro-turbines and wildlife
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Research is underway at Stirling University to investigate possible effects of micro-turbines on wildlife. We aim to identify situations where problems associated with micro-turbines may arise, and to quantify any risks to wildlife involved. This information will then be used for guidance on siting micro-turbines to minimise any risk to wildlife whilst maximising energy efficiency.
There is growing public and political interest in increasing the amount of energy we use from renewable sources, in part because of climate change and Government targets to reduce CO2 emissions. One way in which wind energy can be harnessed is through the use of small scale wind microturbines, which may be attached to buildings, boats or freestanding. Microturbines are seen as a potentially important contribution to renewable energy production.
Although there have been occasional reports of bats and birds flying into micro-turbines, there has been no research to assess whether these are isolated incidences or to investigate how bats and birds react to microturbines.
To date, the only studies on wildlife impacts of wind powered technology have concentrated on wind farms. The risks posed by such large developments, however, are likely to affect different species under quite different situations – we cannot extrapolate from these studies to micro-turbines.
We can only do this with your help – if you are interested in helping us to understand how bats and birds may behave around micro-turbines please complete the online form
Copies of the form are also available here , and can be sent out upon request
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Researchers involved:
Dr Chris Pendlebury
This research is funded by The Leverhulme Trust
in collaboration with the British Trust for Ornithology
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