The global challenges of climate change and energy security have highlighted the urgent need for renewable energy solutions, with wind energy making a crucial contribution. As nations strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable energy systems, wind turbines provide a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. This article looks at the design, operation and benefits of wind turbines, but also addresses public concerns about noise emissions, infrasound, visual disturbance and electromagnetic fields.
While some fears are due to misinformation and psychological factors, modern turbine designs have been shown to mitigate risks and adhere to strict safety standards. In addition, wind energy offers significant health benefits by reducing air pollution and related diseases while promoting economic growth and climate protection. By promoting education and transparent dialogue, wind energy can overcome societal barriers and cement its role in a sustainable and resilient energy future.
Introduction
The global challenges of climate change and the ongoing energy crisis have highlighted the urgent need for a transition to sustainable energy systems. As fossil fuel resources dwindle and their environmental impact becomes increasingly severe, the push towards renewable energy has become a cornerstone of international climate and energy strategies. In Europe, initiatives such as the European Green Deal, REPowerEU and the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) set out strategic objectives to tackle these challenges, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy security and promoting sustainable economic growth (EU Monitor, 2023). Among the strategic goals, wind energy has emerged as an important solution. The European Union aims to generate 50% of its energy from wind power by 2050(Figure 1)(Wind Europe, 2024). To achieve this ambitious goal, significant challenges in the areas of energy supply, infrastructure and public acceptance must be overcome. The way to get there is through massive investment in wind energy technologies, grid integration and advances in monitoring and maintenance systems. However, a number of obstacles —including technical, economic, regulatory and social factors —threaten to hinder progress towards this goal(Wind Europe, 2021;Janipur, 2023).Figure 1.Wind energy meeting 50% by 2050 (Source: European Commission Impact Assesment, 2020;In: (Wind Europe, 2024)).One major obstacle is public resistance, often fueled by misinformation and difficulties/problems of understanding about the health and well-being impacts of wind energy(Kegel and Jeran,2025). Misinformation about visual impacts, noise, shadow flicker and psychological effects such as the nocebo phenomenon have fueled public fears and created barriers to the use of wind energy. These concerns highlight the importance of addressing the technical and social dimensions of wind energy development(Clark, 2022).This article aims to contribute to a broader understanding of wind energy by examining its role in life monitoring systems and addressing unwarranted public fears based on misinformation. By summarising the current state of knowledge and debunking common myths, the article aims to close knowledge gaps and promote a better-informed public dialogue that supports the EU’s vision of a sustainable and resilient energy future(Thyssenkrupp, n. d.).