Implications of wind power generation: exposure to wind turbine noise

Abstract

The current study aims at analysing the perception and opinions of people exposed to Wind Turbine (WT) noise. Noise measurements were carried out in a wind farm in the north of Portugal. Data were analysed and crossed with the answers to a survey applied in four nearby villages. Although the noise levels were generally low, it was found that the direct visibility of the WT makes people feel more annoyed and also more sensitive to noise. Finally, it seems that the economic interests that exposed people may have in WT did not significantly affect their annoyance. Noise annoyance perception rather seems to be related to specific aspects, such as the general opinion of people about wind power generation.