Wind energy in Europe has already grown rapidly over the last decade. In 2008, it accounted for around 4% of the EU’s total electricity supply. This share is expected to at least triple by 2020. It is clear therefore that the number of wind farm installations across the EU is likely to increase radically in the short to medium term.  It will be important to ensure that such a rapid expansion is sustainable in all respects and is done in accordance with EU environmental legislation, including the Habitats and Birds Directives.

Evidence to date shows that, although wind farms are much less of a danger to biodiversity than conventional power generation installations, poorly sited or designed wind farms can nevertheless pose a significant threat to some vulnerable species and habitats, such as certain types of birds, bats, marine mammals and fragile habitat types like blanket bogs, all of which are protected under the Habitats and Birds Directives in view of their poor conservation status.

Purpose of this Guidance document

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on how best to ensure that wind energy developments are compatible with the provisions of the Habitats and Birds Directives. It focusses in particular on the procedures to follow under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive when dealing with wind farm plans and projects which could affect a Natura 2000 site and provides clarifications on certain key aspects of this approval process.

As such, the document is designed principally for use by competent authorities and developers, as well as consultants, site managers and other practitioners who are involved in the planning, design, implementation or approval of wind farms plans or projects. It is hoped that it will also be of interest to other organisations such as NGOs and international bodies.

  Wind_farms_guide_final_draft_March_2010.doc