Environmental Issues
The Wind Program at NREL works to resolve environmental issues that may hinder acceptance of wind energy technologies. The program accomplishes this through activities that address the potential effects of wind development on the environment and identify corresponding mitigation strategies. To address wildlife research needs, the program supports two collaborative efforts. The Grassland Shrub Steppe Species Collaborative that began in 2006 launched a 4-year effort to study wind turbines in prairie chicken habitat. An overview of the Collaborative is available (PDF 68 KB). Download Adobe Reader. The Bat and Wind Energy Cooperative investigates bat and wind turbine interaction. Both collaborations include representatives from the wind industry, environmental organizations, and the Wind Program. The program also supports the work of the National Wind Coordinating Committee Wildlife Workgroup, which is focused on collaborative methodologies for mitigation, risk assessment, and nocturnal study techniques. In addition, the program provides technical support and presentations to industry, fellow federal agencies, and environmental groups.
To read more about the effects of wind energy on birds, see the Avian Literature Database.