Myths surrounding wind turbines: see if you believe them too

An increasing number of people in Lithuania view green energy positively and support greater electricity production from wind and solar sources. According to surveys, 76% of Lithuanians are in favor of wind energy development. However, public expectations are sometimes held back by unfounded fears about the environmental or social impact of wind turbines.

Common concerns include the fear that wind turbines will harm birds, cause noise or shadow flicker, or lower property values. These stereotypes often combine a small amount of truth with a large portion of myth. Yet to reduce energy dependency, carbon emissions, and to combat climate change, expanding the use of renewable energy sources remains the only real path to a cleaner, healthier, and freer life.

A conversation louder than the sound of wind turbines

It is natural for people to feel uneasy when a large project emerges nearby. We tend to fear what is unfamiliar or not fully understood. However, growing scientific evidence shows no direct link between wind turbines and negative effects on human health. Moreover, wind energy allows the production of clean electricity, significantly reducing pollutants and toxins in the environment. Air pollution is linked to roughly one in eight deaths worldwide.

To protect local communities, most countries enforce clear regulations: minimum distances from residential areas, limits on noise levels, and restrictions on shadow flicker. These rules apply in Lithuania as well. The maximum noise from wind turbines must not exceed 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. For comparison, normal conversation is around 50–60 dB. In other words, wind turbines are no louder than a typical chat. Some people worry about infrasound from turbines, but it's essential to distinguish this from infrasound caused by wind or other natural sources. Experts confirm that at 100 meters from a turbine, infrasound levels drop below the threshold of human perception.

Regarding shadow flicker, environmental impact assessments define zones affected by turbine shadows and set annual limits. By law, shadow flicker should not exceed 30 hours per year or 30 minutes per day. To comply, developers often implement solutions such as temporarily stopping turbines.

Birds avoid turbines and fly safely past

Climate change remains the biggest threat to biodiversity, as rising temperatures and extreme weather accelerate species loss. By reducing CO2 emissions, wind energy helps slow climate change and protect wildlife.

Responsible developers in Lithuania conduct thorough assessments of their projects' impact on biodiversity. The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that while minimal impact on birds is possible, it can be mitigated. This includes adjusting turbine operations and supporting conservation efforts like installing bird nesting boxes.

Studies show that bird fatalities are more often caused by power lines, building windows, traffic, agriculture, and cell towers. In 2020, a Danish study of 11 turbines in the Klim wind park found that turbines accounted for just 0.01% of all bird deaths in the area.

Property values near turbines can increase

Buying property is a major life decision, and it is natural to question how wind turbines might affect land and home values. However, improving public perception of wind energy helps reduce those concerns. In fact, 75 – 80% of people living near wind parks in Europe view them positively.

A study by the London School of Economics showed that in England and Wales, home prices near turbines slightly dropped. In contrast, in Scotland — which invests heavily in wind energy — property values increased. Experts explain this difference by pointing to investment in local infrastructure, job creation, and recreational developments.

One notable example is Glasgow, where 130 km of pedestrian and cycling trails were built around a wind park. In just two months, the trails attracted 25,000 visitors.

This illustrates how cooperation between wind developers and local communities can bring new life to regions — boosting tourism, local business, and quality of life. Enhanced surroundings and long-term development potential also contribute to rising property values.

In Lithuania, wind parks are built in rural areas, bringing hundreds of millions in investment. These projects revive local economies, create jobs, fund community projects, and improve quality of life — all while increasing real estate value and regional attractiveness.

To achieve this, developers must actively engage with communities and identify solutions that create new opportunities, improve everyday life, and stimulate sustainable local growth. It is clear: property value rises in well-managed, thoughtfully developed environments — not in neglected or abandoned ones.