Do wind turbines cause noise pollution?

What kind of noise do wind turbines make?

We can distinguish between two types of noise: aerodynamic and mechanical. The first type is the most common. It is generated by the movement of the blades as they cut through the air. Its intensity depends on the wind speed and the design of the blades. It tends to be more noticeable when the wind is moderate.

Mechanical noise is produced by the turbine’s internal components, such as the gearbox and the generator.

And does this noise harm wildlife? To build a wind farm, a positive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be obtained. Wind farms cannot be built in protected areas or in places where the EIS is negative.

Moreover, wind turbines are not an obstacle to livestock farming. The land can still be used for grazing or herding animals.

Older turbine models are noisier than current ones, which have aerodynamic improvements and better sound insulation.

Factors that influence noise levels

First, design and technology: the latest wind turbine models feature aerodynamically shaped blades and smart control systems that reduce noise during operation.

In addition, wind speed plays a role. The higher the speed, the faster the blades spin, which can increase the perceived noise level.

A wind turbine's maintenance condition and age are also key factors. Over time, wear and tear on components can lead to an increase in mechanical noise.

Finally, the type of location and terrain, such as the presence of hills, trees, or other natural barriers, can alter how sound spreads and is perceived in the environment.

Taking all these factors into account explains how the authorities regulate wind turbine installations to minimise their impact as much as possible.

Regulation and assessment of noise levels

In Spain, the regulatory framework is based on the 2011-2020 Renewable Energy Plan, in line with Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament, which promotes the energy transition based on sustainability criteria.

This plan proposes a minimum distance of 500 metres between wind farms and residential areas and takes into account both acoustic and visual impact.

Regarding noise, the legal framework is based on Law 37/2003 on Noise, which aims to prevent, avoid, and reduce noise pollution. This law is implemented through two royal decrees:

• Royal Decree 1513/2005. This regulates the assessment and management of environmental noise, introducing concepts such as ‘environmental noise,’ the need to develop strategic noise maps, and the corresponding action plans.
• Royal Decree 1367/2007. This defines specific provisions on acoustic zoning, quality objectives, and emission limits. It also lists the rates for assessing noise and vibration, as well as methodologies for their measurement.

What minimum distance requirements have been established by the autonomous communities?

In addition to the national framework, each autonomous community may apply specific criteria.

According to the document Environmental zoning for the deployment of renewable energies: wind and photovoltaic energy, from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, the following distances have been established in the different regions:

• Balearic Islands: areas located at a distance equal to or less than 1,000 metres from settlements or residential areas are considered exclusion zones.
• Castile and Leon: noise is estimated at distances of 50, 200, and 500 metres, and the impact is analysed within a radius of up to 2 kilometres from nearby populations.
• Canary Islands: a minimum distance of 250 metres is established for wind turbines with under 900 kW capacity, and 400 metres for those with higher capacity.
• Basque Country: states that the noise generated by the wind farm should not be perceived beyond a distance of 400 metres.
• Asturias and Cantabria: recommendations vary depending on the type of residence, reaching up to 1,000 metres for tourist campsites, rural settlements, or urban land. Additionally, Asturias limits wind turbine installation near agricultural or livestock buildings to 200 metres.
• Galicia: a minimum distance of 500 metres is established from urban land or land designated for urban development and rural settlements.
• Navarre: a distance of 1,000 metres from population centres is recommended.
• Valencian Community: a distance of 1,000 metres from urban land or land designated for urban development is required, but no minimum distance is established for industrial land.
• Castile-La Mancha: the installation of wind turbines within residential areas is prohibited, although no specific minimum distance is defined.
• Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia, Ceuta, Community of Madrid, Extremadura, La Rioja, Melilla, and Region of Murcia: no specific minimum distance limitations from population centres.

The national legal framework provides common ground, but the autonomous communities fine-tune or strengthen these measures based on each region’s specific characteristics.

Wind turbines do make some noise, but not noise pollution. They are below the legal limits, and thanks to technological advances, wind energy is increasingly quieter and more compatible with rural and natural environments.

Why is wind energy key for the energy transition?

In 2024, wind energy was once again the main source of electricity generation in Spain, for the second year in a row and the fourth time in history.

It accounted for 23.2% of the energy mix according to Red Eléctrica. That same year, 16.4 GW of new wind capacity was installed across Europe alone, according to Wind Europe.

Today, this renewable energy source could cover the electricity consumption of 84% of Spanish households, according to the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE).

Far from being a source of noise pollution, wind turbines are increasingly well integrated into their surroundings thanks to technological advances and strict regulation. Yet another sign that the energy transition is progressing in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.