Ecologists are concerned that Germany’s natural diversity could be affected by the construction of wind turbines. However, the transition to renewable energy sources is necessary for energy security and climate neutrality.
The transition to renewable energy sources is necessary, first of all, to protect the environment and achieve climate energy. The Bundestag has already voted for a significant increase in the production of green energy.
First, this is electricity, obtained from the sun, water, and wind. By 2030, 80% of the energy consumed in Germany should come from renewable sources.
To do this, it is necessary to seriously accelerate the construction of renewable energy generators, including wind turbines.
However, recently the construction of new turbines has slowed down significantly. One of the reasons is the dissatisfaction of environmentalists. They argue that wind turbines could destroy Germany’s natural diversity.
Achieving climate neutrality in itself is a powerful tool for protecting nature. However, the problem is that the lands that are planned to be given for windmills are likely to become unsuitable for animals and birds.
For example, for the red kite that nests in the meadows of Germany. Now it is protected by building regulations, and the appearance of a red kite in the fields often postpones the construction of wind turbines. Thus, when nests of specific bird species are found in Bavaria, the nearest windmill is moved 1,500 meters. In Baden-Württemberg – 500 meters.
Due to the fact that the transition to renewable energy is a priority issue for society, the authorities plan to allocate protected landscape areas for it. In addition, the government has adopted general federal requirements for the remoteness of windmills from nests, etc.
This will reduce the requirements for the protection of species diversity and will help speed up construction. Environmentalists seek a comprehensive assessment of the conservation of species diversity on the ground rather than a single approach. In addition, they want to introduce compensatory measures.
For example, wind turbines will be turned off in the evening to protect bats. It is also possible to install a bird migration detection system so that the turbines are also turned off for this period. However, conservationists believe that these measures are not enough. They demand additional funds for the protection of species diversity and compensatory land.