The Price Of Keeping Wind Turbines Out Of Sight

A recent study led by researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich and published in Nature Communications reveals that the visibility of renewable energy structures—like wind turbines and solar panels—affects both public acceptance and the financial aspects of Germany’s energy transition.

Many people prefer not to have renewable energy installations visible in their daily surroundings, with wind turbines in particular often regarded as unattractive. Nonetheless, these technologies are crucial for achieving a climate-neutral future. To better understand the challenges of placement, researchers examined two key factors when selecting potential sites: scenic value and population density. They explored whether it might be feasible to keep wind turbines and solar panels away from both densely populated areas and particularly scenic landscapes—and what the financial implications of such choices would be.

“Beauty is, of course, subjective,” notes co-author Jann Weinand. “However, people’s perceptions of landscape beauty can be analyzed using surveys and statistical methods.” A 2018 study served as the basis for this analysis, in which over 3,500 participants rated the attractiveness of various landscapes shown in hundreds of photos. “We used that data as an input for our study,” Weinand adds.

The second focus was population density. “The more people live in an area, the greater the number of individuals potentially affected by energy infrastructure,” explains researcher Tsamara Tsani. While small-scale solar panels on balconies are common in urban areas, large solar farms generally aren’t feasible there. Similarly, wind turbines are usually located on the outskirts of major cities rather than within them.

Hidden From View—But At What Expense?

Using advanced mapping technologies, the researchers assessed where future wind and solar energy installations in Germany would be visible from. They then actively modeled energy system scenarios that excluded placing these installations in locations visible from scenic landscapes or densely populated urban areas.

The findings revealed that avoiding visibility from only the most scenic or highly populated areas had minimal impact on overall energy system costs. However, if visibility was eliminated entirely—including from areas near small and mid-sized towns or less visually appealing landscapes—energy sector costs could increase by as much as 38% (around €24 billion annually) by 2045.

“To offset this increase, Germany would need to significantly ramp up the deployment of rooftop solar systems and offshore wind farms—an ambitious challenge,” explains Weinand. Additionally, the country would have to begin importing green hydrogen earlier, which would limit system flexibility and increase reliance on international energy sources.

Striking a Balance Between Aesthetics And Sustainability

In Germany, the development of renewable energy has so far largely avoided areas near densely populated regions or especially scenic landscapes. This has either been an intentional choice or a result of available space. “Only 3% of current wind turbines are visible from the most picturesque areas, and just 2% of solar installations,” notes Weinand. The pattern actively mirrors that of more heavily populated zones.

However, the majority of renewable energy expansion still lies ahead. “This study offers policymakers a valuable planning tool,” Weinand adds. “By making strategic decisions, they can preserve scenic and densely populated areas without placing unnecessary financial strain on cities and communities.”

What Are The Upcoming Actions?

The new approach, called “reverse viewshed analysis,” actively identifies “no-regret” areas—sites where energy installations can be placed without compromising scenic views or disrupting local communities. This method actively applies to other countries as well, serving as a guide for efficient and cost-effective energy planning.

“As Germany advances towards its climate goals for 2045,” says Weinand, “this study provides a roadmap for navigating the challenging balance between aesthetics, costs, and clean energy.”

Read the original Article on: Tech Xplore

Read more: Old Wind Turbine Blades Recycled Into Stronger Plastics