Q. How do wind turbines work?
A. Wind turbines capture the wind’s energy with two or three propeller-like blades that are mounted on a rotor, to generate electricity. Learn more here.
Q. Do we need more wind energy?
A. Yes. New York’s clean energy goals are expanding and Governor Cuomo recently announced that New York’s goal should be to produce half of its total power from renewable sources by 2030. Projects like this and others will help the state move towards a cleaner energy future.
Q. Are wind energy centers safe.
A. Yes. Wind energy is one of the safest energy technologies, with several built-in safety features. For example, each wind turbine in the fleet is controlled by a computer that can automatically turn the blades into the prevailing wind, adjust the angle of the blades to compensate for changing wind speeds, and shut a turbine down or restart it again. The computer system can be remotely controlled by operators anywhere in the country. Learn more about NextEra Energy Resources’ wind safety measures here.
Q. Carbon-free and renewable wind energy provides significant benefits over fossil fuel generation. This is true for both the construction and operation of a wind energy center?
A. During construction, we strive to minimize impacts to local communities. Our construction teams are highly skilled at erecting and installing wind turbines for wind farms, which can be built quickly in comparison to traditional power plants – generally in a few months. Once operational, wind energy has many environmental benefits, including providing a new source of carbon-free, affordable power to slow or reverse the effects of global climate change. As the largest generator of wind and solar energy in North America, NextEra Energy Resources is helping address these issues. Learn more here.
Q: What impact do wind turbines have on local birds and wildlife?
A: Protecting existing bird and wildlife habitats are a priority for NextEra Energy Resources. We are working closely with experts to identify environmental concerns and develop appropriate strategies that minimize effect on wildlife – for example, avoiding common migration flight paths.
Q: What impact do wind turbines have on human health?
A: The credible peer-reviewed scientific data and various government reports in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom refute the claim that wind farms cause negative health impacts. For a variety of studies and other information go to AWEA’s website at: https://www.awea.org/Issues/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=862.
Q: Do wind turbines cause shadow flicker?
A: When the sun is in a particular position behind a turbine, and there is no cloud cover, rotating wind turbine blades may cast shadows in the windows of neighboring properties creating what is known as a ‘flickering’ effect.
We are sensitive to the needs of the communities we work with and as such, we recognize this could potentially be disruptive. To mitigate these effects, turbines will be sited a sufficient distance from residences and studies will be done to make sure we have as much information as possible when we design this facility.
Q: How loud are wind turbines?
A: Modern wind turbine technology has made the mechanical noise from wind turbines almost undetectable. Turbines only run when the wind is blowing and the sound of the wind masks most of the noise. However, as part of the development of this project, we will have experts conduct studies, site turbines away from residences, and take other measures as appropriate. The American Wind Energy Association has extensive information on this subject.
