Fact check5 myths about wind energy

Polarise wind turbines. While some welcome them as a symbol of the energy transition, others feel uncomfortable. Today, wind energy is Germany’s most important energy source and the technology is anything but new. It’s time to put common myths to the test. 

Myth 1: Windmills damage forests 

The most important thing first: Forest areas consisting of particularly valuable deciduous and mixed forests or designated as ecological conservation areas may not be used for wind energy use in Germany. Currently, around 36 percent of the forest area is excluded from use by wind turbines.^{1 2}

The areas on which wind turbines may stand are so-called forestry areas. Wind energy can even have positive effects in these regions in particular.¹ Only small-scale clearing is necessary for wind turbines: On average, 0.48 hectares per wind turbine can be used permanently.³ Areas that are bare due to pest infestation or drought can also be used for this purpose - and there are some of them: Since 2018, bark beetles and droughts have destroyed around half a million hectares of forest.²

Interesting facts: Clearances always have to be compensated in Germany.¹ This means that a corresponding area is replanted elsewhere.³ These compensation and replacement measures are also carried out in road construction projects, for example.³

Myth 2: Windmills disturb residents with shadow casting, flashing and infrasound

It is true that wind turbines that protrude more than 100 metres into the sky must emit light signals at night. This is necessary so that they can be recognised by flying objects. These flashing lights cause annoyance among residents. But now there is a new solution that promises to improve. The legislator has approved a system in which the lights only come on when flying objects are detected. This can lead to more than 90 percent less light activity.¹

Depending on the weather and the position of the sun, wind turbines can cast moving shadows that residents find annoying. However, this condition is limited to a maximum of half an hour per day and 30 hours per year. If the shading times exceed this maximum duration, the wind turbine must be temporarily shut down.¹

If the distance between a wind turbine and, for example, a house is more than 600 metres, the infrasound - i.e. the sound below the hearing limit - cannot be distinguished from the level that is already present in nature. According to independent scientific studies, even shorter distances do not cause any additional health burden for people. Nevertheless, it is important to take residents’ concerns and complaints seriously and to clarify them. The fear of possible health risks alone can cause symptoms in those affected - the so-called nocebo effect.²

Myth 3: Wind turbines threaten nature and animal protection 

Species protection in Germany is strictly regulated - especially for endangered species. Wind energy projects above a height of 50 metres are subject to approval procedures in accordance with the Federal Emissions Control Act. This checks whether there is a risk to nature or species protection.¹

But despite these efforts, one thing is certain: Birds die from windmills, for example because they are caught in flight by the rotor blades. Nature conservation associations estimate the figure for Germany at 10,000 to 100,000 per year - the large range shows the uncertainty of the data situation.¹ For comparison: Around 70 million birds die annually from road and rail traffic, and 60 to 90 million from pesticides.²

Large birds and bats are particularly at risk, but the choice of location plays a decisive role: Plants close to hatcheries, rest areas or migratory routes carry a higher risk. Targeted protective measures can significantly reduce the risk, for example by temporarily shutting down bats during hunting periods or during sensitive incubation phases²

Myth 4: Wind turbines stand still all the time  

Wind energy is Germany’s most important energy source. This would not be possible if plants were constantly at a standstill. There are shutdowns, but they have specific reasons: In strong winds, too much electricity can be fed into the grid; an oversupply of fossil electricity also sometimes blocks the grids. Maintenance work, repairs and the protection of birds, bats and residents are also reasons for temporary shutdowns.¹

The facts speak for themselves: In 2023, 31 percent of electricity generation in Germany came from wind power.⁴Wind power remained the most important energy source in domestic electricity generation with a share of 33 percent in 2024.⁵ The first half of 2024 was particularly windy, with wind power accounting for as much as 33.3 percent of electricity generation.⁶

Myth 5: Wind turbines alone cannot provide power

Currently, wind power is the most important energy source in Germany. In 2024, 33% of public net electricity generation in Germany came from wind energy.⁵ However, the figure also shows: Wind power only works in combination with other energy sources. The Federal Grid Agency and grid operators therefore rely on a mix of energy sources to ensure the greatest possible security of supply.³

The expansion of green energy is crucial for the energy transition. Current studies by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE show: Based on the resources in Germany, it is possible to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. This is made possible by intelligent infrastructure, flexible consumption, greater electrification of all sectors and the intensification of European electricity exchange.⁷ Further expansion of the grids and adaptation of the energy markets to the increasing share of renewable electricity is also crucial for security of supply.³