Natura 2000 is an EU-wide ecological network of nearly 26,000 sites in the 27 EU countries which, according to the guidance document, “ensures that human activities – inter alia wind energy activities – are undertaken in a way that does not adversely affect the integrity of Natura 2000 sites”.
While in general terms wind energy does not represent a threat to wildlife, poorly sited or designed wind farms can have a negative impact on vulnerable species and habitats. The European Commission guidelines for wind energy development in protected natural areas aim to mitigate this impact. The guidelines apply to the Natura 2000 network, a cornerstone of EU biodiversity policy and a key tool to achieve the EU target of halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2020.
“These new guidelines will give Member States and industry clarity regarding the undertaking of wind energy development activities in accordance with Natura 2000 requirements. There is no change of legislation or policy, but merely guidance on existing law. Our aim is to ensure that renewable energy targets are met while fully respecting EU law on species protection," said Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment.
The European Commission’s guidance document states that “appropriately sited and well designed wind energy developments are generally not a threat to biodiversity”. Indeed, the guidance document highlights that: “if planned properly, modern wind energy activities can not only avoid impacting on wildlife but can also on occasion actively contribute to biodiversity conservation”.
Biodiversity impacts extremely low
The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) welcomes the publication of this biodiversity guidance, but also stresses that: Overall, wind power’s impact on birds, bats, other wildlife and natural habitats is extremely low compared with many other human-related activities”.
Wind farm developers are already required to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment before construction of a farm can start, and the wind energy association adds that “the EU’s Habitats Directive (Article 6) includes substantive safeguards that must be applied to wind farm projects deemed likely to have an adverse effect on a Natura 2000 site”.
Strategic planning is key
The new Natura 2000 guidelines are aimed at avoiding conflict between wind energy development and biodiversity conservation in these protected areas. They highlight the importance of strategic planning and the need for good quality appropriate assessment of new developments. The guidelines contain examples of best practice, and show how wind energy developments can avoid damage to nature sensitive areas.
Planning wind farm developments in a strategic manner over a broad geographical area is one of the most effective means of minimising the impacts of wind farms on nature and wildlife from the start of the planning process. It not only leads to a more integrated development framework but should also reduce the risk of difficulties and delays at later stages at the level of individual projects”.
For additional information:
Guidance on wind energy and Natura 2000
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