Myth: Wind farms are inefficient and only work 30% of the time
Fact: A modern wind turbine produces electricity 70-85% of the time, but it generates different outputs depending on the wind speed. Over the course of a year it will typically generate about 30% of the theoretical maximum output. This is known as its load factor – and compares with 50% for a conventional power station.
A modern commercial wind turbine will generate enough to meet the electricity demands of more than 1,000 homes over the course of a year.

Myth: Wind farms negatively affect tourism
Fact: There is no evidence to suggest this – in fact, Delabole wind farm attracted 350,000 visitors in its first 10 years of operation. A MORI poll in Scotland showed that 80% of tourists would be interested in visiting a wind farm.

Myth: Wind farms are ugly and unpopular
Fact: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and whether you think a wind turbine is attractive or not is a matter of personal opinion – ask yourself whether you’d prefer to look at a conventional power station instead. Studies show that 80% of the public support wind energy, less than 10% are against it, with the remainder undecided. In fact, the closer people live to a wind farm, the more they tend to support wind energy.

Myth: Wind farms are noisy
Fact: Advances in technology mean that mechanical noise from turbines is now virtually undetectable, with the main sound being the aerodynamic swoosh of the blades passing the tower. Strict guidelines in wind turbines and noise emissions ensure the protection of residential amenity – and the best advice for any doubter is to go and listen for yourself!

Source: BWEA