Wind Energy: Societal and Human Impacts

Wind Energy: Societal and Human Impacts presents the theoretical basis for the various impacts of wind turbines on humans. These impacts include noise (in the audible, low-frequency and infrasound ranges), visual effects (shadow flicker and light reflections), electromagnetic fields, vibrations and oscillations from wind turbines, as well as mechanical impacts and physical risk related to turbine collapse or turbine component failure, throwing of ice or blade parts, fires, etc. Further, this book examines the legal framework, policy approaches and investment processes in the wind energy sector. It addresses the issue of siting and minimum distances between turbines and residential buildings and proposes modifications to legislation, as well as guidelines and recommendations related to environmental impact reports for wind farms, assessment of such reports, monitoring of such impacts and the performance of a post-implementation analysis.