Critical environmental issues in the development of coastal wind power

Windpower is missing or insignificant in most of countries over the world as well as the areas in the SECOA project; but the situation is specific for every area and country and can be understood only when seen in the larger context of energy policy of the respective country. Also, in the countries where no wind energy was generated in the SECOA study areas, windpower development happens in other areas or through national energy policy. The main reasons for selective development of windpower in coastal areas seem to be the different role given to windpower in national energy policies and the location question which includes as well environmental factors (good natural conditions) as social factors (interest conflicts, designation of suitable areas). The development of windpower in coastal areas has generally few critical environmental impacts, mainly related to noise and vibration due to windmill operation. The most social critical environmental problem of windpower development is related to landuse in coastal areas and sea use. However, wind energy is a very potentially renewable that need to pay attention to developed in the future.