Lecture on Wind Energy in the Tension Between Nature Conservation and the Energy Transition

Julius Schmidt from the Dialogue Forum on Energy Transition and Nature Conservation, a joint project of BUND and NABU BW, presents in this lecture the most important environmental impacts of wind energy systems and examines whether new systems and measures can contribute to responsible operation. BUND and NABU Baden-Württemberg are jointly committed to a nature-friendly energy transition in the region. Climate change is the main driver of the biodiversity crisis – therefore, the two organizations support the expansion of wind energy as a central component for the protection of our habitats. At the same time, this expansion brings ecological challenges, particularly for forests and numerous animal species. New developments such as bird detection systems and modern bat monitoring raise hopes that installations can be planned and operated in a significantly more nature-friendly manner.