The Research Institute for Nature and Forest currently performs a long-term project to study the impact of land-based wind turbines on birds (nature) and to act as a consultancy for proposed wind farms in Flanders. The project started in 2000, under the authority of the Flemish government. Preliminary study results of the monitoring were presented in Everaert et al. (2002), Everaert (2003), Everaert & Stienen (2006) and Everaert (2006 a, b). A ‘Bird 2 Atlas’ with important bird areas and migration routes in Flanders was also made available (Everaert et al. 2003). In 2007, a comprehensive report will be published with the monitoring results from 2002-2006 and further recommendations (Everaert 2007). A new article for a scientific journal will follow. Also advice on the establishment of off-shore windfarms has been prepared.

The support of renewable energy sources (RES) is one of the key issues in European energy policy. In order to cope with this challenge, European Transmission System Operators launched a European wide grid study on the integration of wind power, focusing on measures needed to be taken by legislators, regulators, grid operators and grid users, aiming at establishing a harmonised set of rules for the integration of wind power. This set of rules is vital for the secure and reliable operation of the electricity networks in presence of variable generation. The scope of work covers all the technical, operational and market aspects related to the integration of large scale wind power all over Europe. Attention will be later focused on system interaction of various wind turbines types, the effects of their variable power output on the system and their ability to provide system service to enable the stable operation of an electricity grid. The final objective is to obtain the necessary information for the technical and operational measures for risk mitigation and the secure operation of the European electricity grid identified by the steady-state and dynamic investigations on electricity grid models which are established within the study. For this, market and regulatory aspects will be taken into consideration.

A compilation as of November 1, 2006 of turbine accidents in the USA and abroad by accident type, date, site, state/country and turbine model.

Extracts from the attached promotional piece. The full report may be purchased from ABS.

To conclude, it can be stated that with respect to wind turbine sound an important phenomenon has been overlooked: the change in wind after sunset. This phenomenon will be more important for modern, tall wind turbines and in view of the many wind farms that are planned. If this problem is not recognized and solved it will hamper the expansion of wind energy.

The Poldermodel approach is consensus-based. The poldermodel is a model on which Dutch society and politics are based. The Poldermodel ensures that different planning systems are used for every ministry. There is a need to draw all planning systems together into one system. This is done by means of communication and negotiation. The Poldermodel intends to involve as many (relevant) stakeholders as possible to give every person the possibility to plan developments on the scarce land.