On October 24, 2023, the EU Commission published a communication (COM/2023/669) on a
European Wind Power Action Plan.” The action plan is available here: EUR-Lex.
The European Wind Power Action Plan is a strategic initiative with specific deployment targets and measures for its concerted push towards expanding its wind energy capabilities. The EU’s revisions to renewable energy laws have classified wind and solar projects as "projects of overriding public interest.
This legal status assumes that the benefits of carbon reduction and energy security from these projects outweigh any negative environmental impacts unless proven otherwise. The European Union has introduced faster permitting requirements for wind and solar projects.
This includes a maximum of two years for new projects and one year for repowering projects. The intent is to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in the European Union.
Citizens across EU countries are raising concerns about the EU's Wind Action Plan, emphasizing the need for a balanced, approach based on facts and reality to wind energy development that considers its impact on local communities and the environment.
On October 24, 2023, the EU Commission published a communication (COM/2023/669) on a
European Wind Power Action Plan.” The action plan is available here: EUR-Lex.
The European Wind Power Action Plan is a strategic initiative with specific deployment targets and measures for its concerted push towards expanding its wind energy capabilities. The EU’s revisions to renewable energy laws have classified wind and solar projects as "projects of overriding public interest.
This legal status assumes that the benefits of carbon reduction and energy security from these projects outweigh any negative environmental impacts unless proven otherwise. The European Union has introduced faster permitting requirements for wind and solar projects.
This includes a maximum of two years for new projects and one year for repowering projects. The intent is to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in the European Union.
Citizens across EU countries are raising concerns about the EU's Wind Action Plan, emphasizing the need for a balanced, approach based on facts and reality to wind energy development that considers its impact on local communities and the environment.
Citizens continue to insist on thorough environmental impact assessments of the proposed Wind Action Plan. This reflects a desire for transparency and scientific rigor, ensuring that long-term interests such as biodiversity, private property, and the public good are not compromised for short-term industrial gains. It is essential that we not attempt to prop up an ailing industry whose role in the EU decarbonization strategy has yet to be scientifically quantified.
There's a growing concern about easing administrative processes without solid scientific evidence of CO2 intensity improvements. Many worry that jumping “head first” into untested wind energy may erode trust in democratic processes and the credibility of the EU's decarbonization goals, especially among rural citizens. These citizens' needs often continue to go unheeded amid a collective focus on “environmental progress.”
Given the significant increase in wind power installations, particularly in rural regions, citizens continue to demand a robust legal framework to regulate noise emissions from wind turbines. Thus far, the absence of such regulations has only served to fuel resistance to further wind energy developments. There are currently plans in place for more than 200,000 wind turbines. 20% of the EU’s population is rural and most likely to see impacts from wind industry expansion. They deserve answers regarding the wind industry’s negative impact.
Citizens continue to request a comprehensive, independent environmental social impact assessment of offshore wind energy projects. This is vital for understanding the implications on wildlife, biodiversity, food security and human living conditions in and around European waters. It is crucial that this analysis cover any and all countries subject to the changing conditions.
The potential pollution from electricity generation, including the release of harmful chemicals during the wind turbines' lifecycle, continues to raise concerns. To that point, EU citizens demand a thorough assessment of these impacts and public disclosure of the results. This includes a focus on persistent pollutants - including PFAS and Bisphenol A, as well as a waste management plan.
General uncertainty and skepticism about the long-term economic consequences of subsidizing wind turbine (WT) production and operation continues to grow. Indeed, many citizens question whether this strategy efficiently allocates resources and maximizes benefits across socio-economic classes.
Finally, citizen associations are demanding active involvement in preparing the Wind Charter and implementing the European Wind Power Action Plan. They wish to see a more participatory and inclusive approach to decision-making – one that aligns with the fundamental cause and rights of the European Union.
"Core principles and values of the European Union
are freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law; promoting peace and stability"
"Core principles and values of the European Union
are freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law; promoting peace and stability"