Now demolition is imminent: Wind turbine noise is driving residents to despair

Gearbox replacement unsuccessful—similar problems elsewhere

To remedy the situation, various options were tried: from shutting down the turbine at night to the costly replacement of the gearbox using a crane. But none of this provided a real solution. Hahn acknowledges that the operator has tried many things. In contrast, residents felt let down by the responsible authority at the district office. Despite ongoing complaints following the gearbox replacement, the authority granted full operational approval, Hahn explains, making no secret of her bewilderment at this decision. 

When asked, wind turbine manufacturer Vestas attributed the problems to “a unique combination of site-specific conditions and turbine-specific characteristics.” 

In the town of Uhingen in Baden-Württemberg, residents are also complaining about disruptive humming noises emanating from two wind turbines, as reported by SWR. An expert report commissioned by the town has confirmed the problems. According to the report, attempts had also been made there to remedy the situation. “Among other measures, the operator temporarily shut down the turbines, installed vibration dampers, replaced gearboxes, and reduced the turbines’ output when wind speeds exceeded 9 meters per second,” according to a press release. “Unfortunately, this did not achieve the hoped-for noise reduction.”

More than 29,000 onshore wind turbines nationwide

According to the German Wind Energy Association (BWE), 958 new onshore wind turbines were commissioned in Germany last year, while 456 were decommissioned. This means that more than 29,200 wind turbines are now generating electricity. Complaints about disruptive noise are said to be very rare. The vast majority of wind turbines operate for many years without any issues. According to a Forsa survey commissioned by the Wind and Solar Agency, public acceptance has recently declined somewhat. However, 69 percent of the population views the expansion of wind power positively.

“Audible, low-frequency humming noises from wind turbines do exist, but they are rare,” explains Professor Gundula Hübner of the University of Halle-Wittenberg. The environmental psychologist conducts research on the acceptance of wind energy and the impact of noise on residents. Studies have been conducted in various locations. However, there have consistently been only a few people who suffered from stress reactions such as difficulty falling asleep, concentration problems, or even a bad mood.

In a study conducted in Wilstedt near Bremen, residents were equipped with recording devices to capture noise from wind turbines. The results showed that about six percent were affected. “We then compared this to noise from agriculture as another source of stress in rural areas. As a result, 16 percent of residents felt severely bothered.” Overall, according to Hübner, persistent noise sources that can be perceived as disruptive are on the rise—including not only traffic but also heat pumps and air conditioning systems.

Scientists have also examined medical data in several countries to determine whether there is a higher incidence of illness near wind turbines. “That is definitely not the case,” says Hübner. When operators respond to complaints from residents and—as in the exceptional case of Oberwiera—even dismantle turbines, that sends a positive signal.

Demolition planned for mid-July—mood in the village has shifted

Those affected in Oberwiera, Saxony, are close to their goal. Demolition is set to begin in mid-July, confirms entrepreneur Andreas Berger. Vestas also states that a mutual agreement has been reached with the plant operator. The question of costs remains unanswered. Berger makes it clear that no taxpayer money will be used for this. Legally, it would be possible to build a new wind turbine at the site, he says. However, that is not currently planned.

The demolition is apparently unprecedented in Germany. The industry association BWE is not aware of any comparable cases in which a wind turbine was completely dismantled for this reason, as a spokesperson explained upon inquiry.

But the residents’ long struggle continues to have an impact. “I don’t want any more wind turbines in Oberwiera,” says Mayor Quellmalz. He adds that they are fortunate that the operator lives in town and is not a distant financial investor. The municipality is now fighting back not only against the originally planned second wind turbine. The mayor pulls out a map. He points to two colored spots. The new regional plan designates additional sites for wind turbines there. He announces resistance to this—if necessary, through legal means. 

Mayor: “People as a Protected Resource” Must Be Given Greater Consideration

She is absolutely relieved that the problematic wind turbine will soon be a thing of the past, says Sarah Hahn, who is now active on the municipal council. “It’s unbelievable that the operator managed to achieve this.” She sees the main problem in the fact that such installations are becoming ever larger and more powerful. In her view, more discretion is needed when it comes to such projects. For example, another investor in the town had wanted to build an XXL solar park covering more than 40 hectares. The town council rejected the proposal despite the prospect of additional revenue. Hahn: “Given the location and the size, it’s no longer proportionate.”

For Christian Democrat Quellmalz, the planning of wind turbines must place greater emphasis on “protecting people.” It is unacceptable for people to be severely impacted by such facilities. That is an important lesson learned from the case in his town.

• Statement from the City of Uhingen on the expert report
• Survey on the Acceptance of Wind Energy in Germany
• NABU & BUND on nature conservation conflicts involving wind turbines
• Status of Wind Energy Expansion in Germany

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