RWE has pushed back against claims that wind energy comes at the expense of wildlife, saying evidence shows renewable expansion and nature conservation can be compatible.
“Extreme weathers, rising temperatures and shifting habitats threaten species worldwide – far more than any wind turbine ever could,” the company notes, pointing to climate change as the primary challenge for both conservation and clean energy.
One common criticism is that turbines cause mass bird deaths.
RWE acknowledges that birds can be killed by turbines but says the scale is often overstated.
According to studies, between 100,000 and 250,000 birds die from wind turbines each year in Germany, representing just 0.05% of the total bird population.
By comparison, the company highlights that domestic cats kill 100 to 200 million birds annually in Germany alone – hundreds of times more than turbines.
Similar findings have been recorded in the US, where cats account for around one billion bird deaths a year, while turbines cause about 150,000. Road traffic and glass buildings also pose far greater risks.
RWE recognises that birds of prey are more vulnerable to collisions due to their hunting patterns. It says careful species protection assessments are carried out before projects, with particular attention to safeguarding protected species.
“This ensures that wind energy is expanded in harmony with species protection,” the company states.
Whales and dolphins
Concerns about offshore wind and porpoises are also frequently raised.
RWE acknowledges that construction noise can disturb these sensitive mammals but says advances in noise mitigation – including acoustic deterrents, gradual piling techniques and bubble curtains – now reduce risks significantly.
These measures give porpoises time to leave construction areas unharmed.
The company further argues that once operational, wind farms may benefit marine ecosystems.
With reduced shipping and fishing in turbine zones, RWE says these areas can resemble marine reserves. Mussels and fish colonise turbine structures, providing food sources that attract porpoises.
RWE stresses that all projects undergo rigorous environmental screening but rejects the notion of wind farms as “porpoise killers.”
In its conclusion, the company frames wind power as part of the solution, not the problem. “Other human factors such as domestic cats, traffic and buildings are many times more dangerous,” it says, adding that climate change remains the greatest threat to wildlife.
According to RWE, modern technology – from quieter construction to bird-friendly blade designs – is making wind energy increasingly compatible with conservation goals.
“Climate protection and nature conservation complement each other – clean energy protects the environment we want to preserve,” it argues.
RWE defends wind energy amid claims of wildlife harm appeared first on Energy Live News.