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 Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative investigates bats 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 Collaborative 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 wildlife, see the Wind-Wildlife Impacts Literature Database (WILD).