20 October, 2014
(Rinnovabili.it) – The technological advances that are being made in the field of off shore turbines are allowing the installation of ever larger and more powerful in the deep waters. While it is undeniable benefits brought in terms of clean energy production, on the other, however, they are still poorly understood impacts exerted by the wind turbines on the marine environment. To do some 'clarity is now the new study researcher Helen Bailey, the center of Environmental Science at the University of Maryland. Bailey along with a team of colleagues studied the effects of this technology on the aquatic fauna, formulating the new recommendations for the evaluation of new projects of wind farms off the coast.
"Since the number and size of offshore turbines is increasing, it is increasingly necessary to consider the consequences and cumulative impacts of these activities on marine species," said Bailey. "And 'essential to identify where whales, dolphins and other animals they are to help avoid negative impacts continuing to monitor their response to the construction and operation of wind turbines." Among the most critical aspects appears keystroke activities of foundations (piling), aimed all'infissione in the backdrop of the bases: the loud noise caused can not only disturb the behavior of marine mammals at distances of several kilometers, but also cause real their problems of hearing impairment and disorientation if present at close range. On the other hand, the scientists explain, the foundations of the turbines can act as artificial reefs and increase food sources. "A critical element in planning wind energy projects it is developing in such a way as to avoid or minimize the negative environmental impacts that such facilities can cause," added his colleague and scientist Tom Miller. "Making these assessments requires a year of extensive studies of the species that frequent the area, in particular for the protected sensitive to sounds, such as marine mammals."
Follow us on: