Onshore wind turbine noise: A review of the current guidance framework for the UK Government (Part 1: Introductory project overview)

J B Lotinga, Michael; Lewis, Toby; Powlson, Jim; Berry, Bernard

Abstract

Onshore wind is recognised as one of the lowest-cost sources of renewable electricity generation. A sustained growth in capacity is also seen as a key enabler of the UK government’s commitment to deliver a net zero economy by 2050.

Using our expertise in acoustics, planning and environmental assessments for renewables, we delivered this study on behalf of the UK government Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to review the UK onshore commercial wind turbine noise assessment guidance (a document known as ETSU-R-97).

Since the ETSU-R-97 guidance was published in 1996, the context has changed:

- The need for onshore wind energy is more urgent
- Technology has advanced
- New research has been undertaken
- Understanding of wind turbine sound has progressed, highlighting in particular the potential impact of amplitude modulation (AM, described below)

Our report recommends key areas of the guidance that would benefit from being updated, and provides recommendations for further evidence needed to support updates identified. These include revisiting the framework of noise limits, and establishing new guidance to support assessment and control of the potential impact of AM.

Our recommendations will help to ensure that guidance for local planning authorities, developers and operators is the most relevant and up-to-date possible, supporting robust planning and assessment processes for managing the potential impacts of noise from wind turbines, which in turn will contribute to sustainable delivery of onshore wind energy.

Citation

J B Lotinga, M., Lewis, T., Powlson, J., & Berry, B. (2023). Onshore wind turbine noise: A review of the current guidance framework for the UK Government (Part 1: Introductory project overview). Bristol: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

• Report Type: Research Report
• Publication Date: Sep 11, 2023
• Deposit Date: Dec 4, 2024
• Publisher: Institute of Acoustics
• Publisher URL: https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/insights/wind-turbine-noise-report