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Wind turbines wheel trouble in Netherlands

17/Sep/2006: The growing demand for installation of wind turbines to harness wind power has turned out to be a major trouble in the Netherlands. People are up in arms against installation of wind turbines closer to their living places and are forcing the government to change policy.

The people’s ire against installation of giant-sized turbines stems from the fact that the free view of the skyline will be blocked permanently. These mechanical structures are upsetting the nature-loving people who like to have clearer skies closer to their residential premises. To oppose the government, the anti-windmill group with over 15,000 members hands out a play-book to local protestors on how to resist moves to set up wind turbines that are described, “horizon pollution”.

Keeping the protests in view and to harness the wind power, the government with the help of industry is moving from land to offshore for installation of wind turbines. Being away from densely populated areas, these offshore windmills harness winds consistently. Since these windmills are designed to handle strong and salty air, they are expected to generate power using the ocean storms as well.

Bowing to the demands from people, the government has identified 65 locations that are away from the mainland and in shallow waters. The windmills are located in North Sea away from the main shipping lanes and at a distance from shore so as to reduce danger to coastal and migratory birds from the whirling blades.

Expectedly, the environment activists are happy over the developments. A Danish study has pointed out that few migratory birds were killed by offshore turbines and this has caused enthusiasm to the environment groups to support government move on their location at sea.

Chandra Sekhar

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