Study in Australia finds no good evidence of wind farms' harm on humans

Feb 24, 2014 - The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in Australia today said that there was no reliable or consistent evidence that wind farms are directly responsible for adverse health effects on human health.

This is the conclusion of a draft Information Paper focused on the impact of wind farms on humans written by the expert body. NHMRC’s CEO Warwick Anderson pointed out that the existing evidence has poor quality so further research efforts “of the highest standard” are needed.

In 2013 Australia added 655 MW of new wind power capacity, bringing the total to 3,240 MW.

The NHMRC’s study explains that living close to wind turbine has been associated with annoyance and sleep disorders and that wind farms are said to be affecting the quality of life. “However, it is unknown whether these effects are caused by the wind turbines themselves, or by other related factors,” says Professor Anderson.

The research council is expecting comments on the Information Paper by April 11, and it has also invited Australians to present any additional evidence for consideration. NHMRC plans to publish a Targeted Call for Research in this area after public consultation has be concluded and contributions have been considered.

At present there are several huge and many smaller wind projects at various stages of development in Australia. For example, Hydro Tasmania is planning to build a 600-MW wind project on King Island, while New Zealand-based renewable energy systems operator TrustPower Ltd (NZE:TPW) is proposing a 390-MW wind farm in South Australia. Earlier in February, the Australian arm of Indian wind turbine maker Suzlon Energy (BOM:532667) said its 600-MW Ceres wind project in South Australia had secured development nod by the state government.

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