New European research has shown that a North Sea wind farm provided a new natural habitat for organisms living on the seabed and it has little negative effect on the fauna around it. This North-Sea wind farm, which has the total capacity to provide energy for up to 100,000 households, contributed significantly to the biodiversity of the area, with their research turning up organisms such as mussels, anemones and crabs. Furthermore, the Dutch researchers warn that the impact of a wind farm depends on its location and on the depth of the surrounding sea.

Researchers in the Netherlands analysed the short-term ecological effects of the wind farm that was built near Windpark Egmond aan Zee (OWEZ), the first large-scale offshore wind farm built off the Dutch North Sea coast and it has the total capacity to provide energy for up to 100,000 households. The team summarise the first two years of research from the farm and explain how it contributed significantly to the biodiversity of the area, with their research turning up organisms such as mussels, anemones and crabs.

The team found that new species become established, and communities of animals arise on the wind turbine piles and the rocks piled around the columns, leading to a local increase in biodiversity. They also found the fish fauna to be incredibly varied.

By comparing their findings with previous results, the Dutch researchers warn that the impact of a wind farm depends on its location and on the depth of the surrounding sea. The location of the OWEZ wind farm is favourable due to the relatively low numbers of birds that fly through the area at this distance from the coast. The team conclude that special areas should be designated for wind farms, so as to best avoid disruption to birds, for example. According to the EU releases guidelines to reconcile wind energy development and biodiversity policy, this way wind farms can both generate cleaner energy and contribute to fostering biodiversity.