Among the various renewable energy sources available, it is wind that is gaining traction in the Visayas. There is a flurry of wind energy activity in the region, with new undertakings as well as expansion projects underway. If the 37 indicative projects listed on the Department of Energy’s website as of June 2024 are anything to go by, the region is set to pepper its coastlines and oceans with wind farms.
But just like any other energy source, there are advantages and disadvantages to using wind power. And the truth about wind farms and their environmental impact may be surprising.
What are the Upsides of Wind Energy?
The most notable advantage of wind energy is its sustainability. Wind is a virtually inexhaustible resource, making it an excellent alternative to fossil fuels that are rapidly depleting. Average wind speeds vary from location to location. Still, the technical potential (the amount of energy that could theoretically be produced with current technologies based on assumptions made by the user – in this case, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) for wind power across the globe is more than enough to meet the world’s electricity needs.
In addition, wind power does not release any pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), or particulate matter, which are common byproducts of fossil fuel combustion. This can lead to improved air quality and better public health outcomes for nearby communities.
As well as becoming a significant source of jobs for locals, wind farms sit on land that can simultaneously be used for agriculture or grazing.
Another significant advantage of wind power is its relatively low cost compared to other sources of electricity. Once a wind turbine is installed, the only real cost is maintenance. And turbines are relatively simple to maintain and can last for decades. Their footprint is small compared to other energy sources, with less than one acre of land disturbed permanently per megawatt of power output. Plus, turbines can be installed almost anywhere there’s enough wind, making them an option for both large economies trying to decarbonize and remote communities in need of a renewable source of power. The most ideal sites for wind turbines, however, are in areas with high-speed winds – say, the coastal areas of the Visayas.
But What About the Environmental Impact of Wind Energy Infrastructure?
One downside to wind energy is the intermittency of wind power. Wind speeds are not constant, and therefore, wind power generation fluctuates. This variability can pose challenges in maintaining a stable electricity supply, especially during peak demand hours. However, advancements in battery energy storage systems and the integration of renewable energy into the grid are mitigating this issue.
Building wind farms involves a significant amount of work, from excavating for foundations to building roads in rural areas in order to bring in all the components needed for the construction of turbines. Not only can this be disruptive to the landscape and the local communities; but this work is also often done using diesel-powered machines, which contribute to carbon emissions. And while offshore wind farms offer enormous potential, they also require miles of cabling, converter stations, underwater vegetation clearance, and other infrastructure.
A common complaint about wind turbines is the noise they produce. This can be troublesome for people living and working near wind farms. While advances in turbine design have reduced noise levels, this remains a concern for many communities.
There have been concerns raised about the impact on bird and bat populations. The American Bird Conservancy estimates that as many as 1.4 million birds will be killed by collisions with wind turbines in the US by 2030. Recent advancements in technology, however, have led to the development of more bird and bat-friendly turbine designs, minimizing these risks.
Which Way Does the Wind Blow?
Is wind energy truly a green solution? The answer is not so straightforward. While they do produce clean energy once they’re up and running, the process of getting them there has an environmental impact. However, this impact can be mitigated through careful planning and decision-making.
For example, instead of building new service roads for onshore wind farms, existing roads could be utilized to reduce the amount of land disturbed. In addition, using renewable energy sources to power the construction process can help reduce carbon emissions. As technology continues to advance, there may also be ways to minimize the noise and visual impact of turbines, as well as the threat they present to wildlife.
With its immense potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change, wind power should be a crucial component of the Visayas region’s energy mix. It is indeed propelling us toward a greener future, challenges notwithstanding.