Abstract
The expansion of wind energy plays a central role in the necessary energy transition. The energy policy goals of the federal and state governments envision further expansion of wind energy in the future, with the aim of ensuring that this expansion is compatible with nature conservation.
Avoiding conflicts between wind energy expansion and nature conservation requires, particularly in the relevant planning processes, the identification of environmentally compatible sites.
Technical development in the wind energy sector is progressing steadily with ever newer turbine types. Four basic types of wind turbines can be distinguished: very tall turbines, turbines with very large rotors, turbines with a low rotor clearance, and small wind turbines in and near settlements.
Against this backdrop, the research and development project of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) has identified, presented, and evaluated new developments from a nature conservation perspective. The research activities include gathering reports from authorities, project developers, and planning offices, as well as reviews of current literature on the state of research and knowledge regarding the ecology of wind turbine-sensitive bat species and their endangerment by wind turbines.
The ecological assessment and risk analysis of the new generation wind turbine types considered in the project shows that the species protection conflicts resulting from their construction and operation are not adequately addressed within the existing framework of planning practice and permitting law. This is due, on the one hand, to the still insufficient knowledge regarding species protection conflicts (e.g., nocturnal migration patterns of bats). On the other hand, mitigation measures that have now been proven effective are too rarely applied or monitored, such as shutdowns for bat-friendly operation. The effectiveness of some mitigation measures has not yet been proven or fully developed. In general, newer generation wind turbines are treated no differently in planning and permitting practices than "older" turbine types. Furthermore, there are significant differences in how species protection aspects are considered in the individual federal states.
The final outcome of the project is a need for further research to clarify previously open questions in the area of species protection and wind turbines, as well as further recommendations for action.
The development of the project was essentially completed before the amendment of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). Nevertheless, some chapters (including 4.2, 4.3.3, 5.1.6, and 5.7.4) incorporate new regulations (as of 2023).