Abstract
The report is an update of the previous synthesis report: The effects of wind power on birds and bats, published in 2011. The updated report compiles international research in recent years and provides an analysis of Swedish postconstruction surveys implemented until 2016.
The report describes the types of environments to be avoided, what is important to consider prior to licensing, as well as which species that can be affected in different areas. It includes species facts with a review of species that may be adversely affected by wind power. The report contains in-depth reasoning about how to use scientifically based buffer zones, especially for eagles. For bats, new knowledge shows that wind power is generally a more serious problem than was realized five years ago. At the same time results of recent research suggest that relatively simple measures can limit the damage to bats considerably.
The Vindval research programme collects, creates and communicatesinformation and facts about the environmental impact of wind poweron the environment, the social landscape and people’s perceptionof wind power installations. Vindval provides funding for research,including literature reviews and syntheses regarding the effects and experiences of wind power.