I have family in Skutskär. I think it took 10 years of regular family reunions before I suddenly discovered that you can see wind turbines from the window. No one ever said anything about it, not that I heard anyway. Furthermore, they are only visible in certain weather conditions – clearly spinning on a clear winter’s day, but shrouded in fog on others. In the summer, hidden behind trees.
A non-question, my relative thinks, not seeing why this would be interesting information to anyone. But I think it is. The concern about how the view of wind turbines can disturb is great among many, there are projects that have been rejected because they could only be seen on the horizon. And we need more renewable electricity. Gävleborg has recently experienced the extreme weather that is becoming more frequent in the wake of climate change.
It’s probably worse for those who live closer, you might think. Since I don’t know anyone like that in Skutskär, I can’t answer that for this particular park. In contrast, the independent research company Novus has asked over a thousand people who live within three kilometers of wind power how they enjoy their living environment. And there nine out of ten answered that they enjoy it. Exactly as many as in the rest of the population, when they are asked the same question.
Of course, there can be a greater impact on those who live closest – depending on the intervening terrain, it can be both seen and heard. But no wind power that exceeds limit values for humans or the environment receives a permit. There can be an absolute maximum of eight hours of shadow time per year, and an absolute maximum of 40 decibels A can be heard outside the house wall, which is approximately the same sound level as that generated from a refrigerator. And now the government has also said that those who live closest will receive an annual sum from the works’ profit as compensation. So worse than before, yes, but not worse than that.
Ylva Tengbladsustainability manager Green Power Sweden
