Small wind turbines in Groningen and Friesland linked to bird and bat collisions, provinces consider action
A new study reveals that small wind turbines in Groningen and Friesland are causing collisions with birds and bats, exceeding ecological standards when combined. Residents and farmers may face new regulations as provinces explore measures to protect wildlife while supporting sustainable energy.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Provinces involved | Groningen, Friesland (collaboration with Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland, Utrecht) |
| Number of turbines | ~400 in Groningen, ~850 nationwide |
| Average collisions per turbine/year | 2.2 birds, 0.8 bats |
| Total collisions concern | Cumulative impact exceeds Council of State assessment standards |
| Proposed measures | Turbine shutdowns (e.g., August nights), ecological quick scans for new turbines, habitat creation |
| Energy output per turbine | ~53,900 kWh annually |
The provinces of Groningen and Friesland are responsible for balancing sustainable energy initiatives with ecological preservation. This study highlights their role in regulating small wind turbines to protect biodiversity while supporting local energy transitions, particularly for agricultural businesses.
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Study on collisions with small wind turbines published
Commissioned by the provinces of Groningen and Friesland, research has been conducted into the ecological effects of small wind turbines up to 15 meters in height. The results of this study were published on Tuesday, March 17. The main conclusion is that there are collisions with birds and bats. For individual turbines, there are on average incidental collisions per species per year; no standards are exceeded. However, when all turbines are considered together, the total number of collisions is too high. For this reason, the provinces are examining what measures they should take to address this issue.
In recent years, approximately 400 small wind turbines have been installed in the province of Groningen, primarily on agricultural businesses. Nationwide, there are around 850 small wind turbines. When installing these turbines, consideration was given to landscape integration and optimal efficiency. The ecological effects were largely unknown, as there was no clear research available. It was assumed that the ecological impact would be minimal. When signals emerged that frequent flight movements were occurring around the turbines, research was initiated. The provinces of Groningen and Friesland commissioned the study, which was carried out in collaboration with the provinces of Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, North Holland, South Holland, and Utrecht.
Findings of the ecological study
The multi-year monitoring study shows that small wind turbines cause collisions with birds and bats. On average, this amounts to 2.2 birds and 0.8 bats per turbine per year. These are incidental collisions of less than one per species per turbine per year. Collisions occur particularly with turbines located near farmland planting, buildings, or watercourses, due to proximity to flight routes, foraging areas, and habitats. While the impact per turbine is limited, the cumulative effects—given the significant number of small turbines in Groningen—can exceed the assessment standards set by the Council of State for various species. This necessitates additional measures.
Collision-reducing and protective measures
The province of Groningen intends to implement measures to reduce the total number of collisions. In doing so, it will carefully weigh the following steps: protecting nature, safeguarding spatial quality, and supporting sustainable local energy generation. In the coming period, the province will explore two types of measures: collision-reducing and protective. Collision-reducing measures, as recommended in the study, aim to minimize collisions, such as shutting down turbines on August nights. Protective measures focus on strengthening vulnerable species, such as creating habitats and developing feeding areas outside the reach of small wind turbines. In principle, new small wind turbines will still be possible, but an ecological quick scan will first be required. With these measures, the province aims to fulfill its responsibility for nature and biodiversity and provide better guidance for the placement of small wind turbines.
The importance of small wind turbines
Small wind turbines are particularly important for farmers in the transition to sustainable business operations. With an average annual output of 53,900 kWh per turbine, they contribute—alongside solar panels and batteries—to a stable, self-sufficient energy mix at the business level.