How do Wind Farms Affect Birds and Bats?

Many countries around the world use wind energy to generate electricity. Canada is one of them. In 2018, wind energy in Canada generated enough electricity to power 3.3 million homes! 

Wind energy is a renewable energy resource. Renewable resources do not run out. Energy from the Sun and from moving water are renewable, too.

Wind energy can be transformed into mechanical energy. Mechanical energy can generate electricity. Usually, electricity from wind is generated by wind turbines. The video below explains how a wind turbine works.

Did you know?

Wind turbines do not pollute the air when operating. But some sources of energy do pollute the air. Two examples are coal and natural gas power plants. Can you think of any other examples?

Have you ever seen a wind farm? A wind farm is several wind turbines grouped together. It is an example of a wind energy project. Unfortunately, these projects can cause problems for local wildlife.

How do wind turbines affect wildlife? 

Many birds and bats die because of wind turbines. For example, birds often crash into the wind turbines. Some bats die this way, too. 

Other bats die from barotrauma. Barotrauma happens when a change in air pressure damages body tissues. When a wind turbine’s blades move, they cause a drop in nearby air pressure. If a bat flies too close to a turbine, this drop in air pressure can damage its lungs. 

Scientists studied wind projects in Ontario for 10 years. They found that each wind turbine kills around 5 birds and 12 bats every year! There are 2 577 wind turbines in Ontario. Try to do the math. That is a lot of birds, and even more bats! 

Wind turbines can also change these animals’ habitats, behaviours and populations.

Habitat changes can happen when animals lose their sources of food, hiding spots or breeding places. These animals need to find somewhere else to live.

Behaviour changes can happen when animals must find new ways to get around. For example, birds might have to fly across roads leading up to the turbines. Migrating birds might have to find a new route.

Population changes can happen when animals have trouble finding mates and places to nest. This can lower biodiversity in the areas around wind turbines. It can also put some species at risk.

How are people working to help wildlife living near turbines?

Governments make rules about wind farms. (3) These rules say: 

• where wind turbines can be built;

• how wind turbines can be built; and

• how they must be run. 

The rules are designed to protect local species habitats and migration routes. Companies and government agencies monitor the wind farms’ impacts on wildlife. They use this information to reduce the risks future wind projects may have on wildlife.

Also, some environmental groups are trying to protect animals from wind turbines. One example is the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). 

How can we prevent deaths from wind turbines? Some biologists say that wind turbines should not turn on days with low winds. Bats are more active when wind is low. They are more likely to be hurt on these days.

Wind power is becoming an important source of energy for Canadians. But wind projects can also cause big problems for wildlife. It’s good to know that different groups are working to protect our flying friends.