Chalmers measures cumulative environmental effects of wind power
Chalmers University of Technology has recently been granted funding to develop a tool for assessing the cumulative environmental effects of wind power, both onshore and offshore. The tool will contribute to a sustainable large-scale development of wind power and Ecogain is part of the project.
Strategic planning methodology
The aim of the project is to develop knowledge and tools that facilitate strategic planning of wind power. Together with researchers from Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg and environmental consultants from Medins Havs och Vattenkonsulter, we will develop a transparent tool for assessing and comparing the cumulative environmental effects of different development scenarios for onshore and offshore wind power.
- Our role is to contribute with expertise on environmental effects on land and how these effects should be handled in the tool," says Tryggve Sigurdson, senior consultant at Ecogain.
Bringing together several experts
The focus is on impacts on nature, but also takes into account economic, technological and environmental health factors.
- The research team includes experts in the environmental impact of wind power, landscape ecology and systems analysis assessment methodology. "Enetjärn Natur's extensive experience of environmental impact assessments of onshore wind power will be of great benefit to the project," says Sverker Molander, Chalmers University of Technology.
High demand makes the project relevant
The results will be used as decision support both in permit processes and in regional and national plans. The Environmental Code requires the cumulative effects of wind power to be reported, but there is a lack of support and guidelines for how this should be handled.
- Our customers and many authorities are asking for better tools to calculate and assess the cumulative effects of wind power. We look forward to the project and are grateful to be part of the work," says Tryggve.
A part in wind selection
The project is part of Vindval - a research program on the impact of wind power on people, nature and the environment. The program is a collaboration between the Swedish Energy Agency and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
