In Part 1 of this article series, we presented some of the claims President Trump has made regarding the viability and practicality of wind-generation power. In this article, let’s take a closer look at the accuracy of these claims:
Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims
1. Wind Turbines and Bird Mortality
While it’s true that wind turbines can kill birds, the scale of this issue is often overstated. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, wind turbines are responsible for between 140,000 and 500,000 bird deaths annually in the United States. However, this number is small compared to other threats to bird populations, such as collisions with buildings, cars, cats, and power lines, which result in millions of bird deaths each year. Additionally, the development of newer, larger turbines and better site selection has helped to reduce bird mortality rates.
Furthermore, wildlife organizations and environmental groups actively monitor and regulate wind farms to mitigate bird deaths, including measures like using radar technology to avoid placing turbines in migratory routes. While wind farms do have an impact on bird populations, it is a minor issue when compared to other human-related threats to wildlife.
2. Wind Turbines Kill Whales
There is no scientific evidence to support this assertion[1][2].
What the Experts Say
- Marine Biologists and Environmental Experts: According to marine biologists, the primary threats to whales include ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and environmental pollution[1]. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has conducted post-mortem examinations on stranded whales and found that many deaths were linked to these factors, not wind turbines[1].
- NOAA’s Findings: NOAA has identified an “unusual mortality event” for humpback whales along the U.S. East Coast since 2016, but their investigations have not linked these deaths to offshore wind farms[1]. Instead, human interactions like fishing gear entanglements and vessel strikes were significant contributors[1].
While concerns about the impact of offshore wind farms on marine life are valid and warrant further research, the current evidence does not support the claim that wind turbines are responsible for whale deaths. It’s essential to rely on scientific data and expert analysis when evaluating such claims[2].
[1] Fact-checking Donald Trump’s claim that wind turbines kill whales – BBC
[2] Contrary to politicians’ claims, offshore wind farms don’t kill whales …
3. The Cost of Wind Power
Trump’s claim that wind power is too expensive is outdated and misleading. In recent years, the cost of wind energy has dramatically decreased. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the cost of onshore wind power has dropped by about 70% over the past decade, making it one of the cheapest sources of new electricity generation in the United States. In most regions, wind power is cheaper than coal or natural gas, even without subsidies.
While it is true that some wind energy projects still rely on government subsidies, this is common across all energy industries. Fossil fuel industries, such as coal and oil, also receive substantial government support in the form of tax breaks and subsidies. Furthermore, wind energy does not require ongoing fuel costs, unlike fossil fuel plants, which must purchase coal, oil, or natural gas to operate. Fuel costs are not only variable, but they must be transported, creating additional costs and environmental impacts. The cost of wind is $0. This makes wind power increasingly cost-competitive in the long term.
For a direct comparison of the cost of generation by generating resource, the electric power industry uses the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). It is a measure used to compare the cost-effectiveness of different energy generation methods over their lifetimes. It represents the average revenue per unit of electricity generated that would be required to recover the costs of building and operating a generating plant during an assumed financial life and duty cycle.
According to Lazard’s most recent Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) analysis, here are the typical LCOE values for various energy sources, sorted from lowest to highest cost:
- Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (PV): $24-$96 per megawatt-hour (MWh)
- Onshore Wind: $28-$54 per MWh
- Natural Gas Combined Cycle: $44-$73 per MWh
- Geothermal: $59-$101 per MWh
- Coal: $72-$152 per MWh
- Nuclear: $131-$204 per MWh
These values reflect the continued cost-competitiveness of renewable energy technologies compared to conventional generation[1][2].
[1]: 2023 Levelized Cost Of Energy+ – Lazard
[2]: Levelized Cost of Energy+ – Lazard
4. Wind Power’s Reliability
Trump’s criticism of wind power’s intermittency is based on a valid concern, but it overlooks the significant technological advancements that have been made to address this issue. Wind power does depend on wind conditions, and it is true that turbines do not produce electricity 24/7. However, wind energy can be combined with other generation sources, such as solar, fossil fuel, and nuclear power, to create a more stable and reliable grid. Additionally, advancements in energy storage technology are helping to store excess energy produced during windy periods, which can be used during times of low wind.
Many countries with high levels of wind energy, such as Denmark and Germany, have successfully integrated wind power into their national grids. Furthermore, the rise of distributed energy systems, smart grids, and advanced forecasting tools have all improved the predictability and reliability of wind energy.
5. Wind Turbine Noise Causes Cancer
- American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society has explicitly stated that it is “unaware of any credible evidence linking the noise from windmills to cancer”[1].
- Environmental Health Sciences Research Center at the University of Iowa: A joint statement from the Environmental Health Sciences Research Center at the University of Iowa, the Iowa Policy Project, and the Iowa Environmental Council concluded that there is little scientific evidence that sound from wind turbines represents a risk to human health among neighboring residents[2].
- Cancer Health: An article in Cancer Health magazine emphasized that there isn’t a scintilla of evidence in scientific literature that the noise from wind turbines is linked to cancer. The article also noted that while wind turbine noise has been the subject of other health controversies, the research is mostly reassuring[3].
These sources collectively reinforce that the claim about wind turbine noise causing cancer is not supported by scientific evidence.
[1] Wind Turbine Noise Doesn’t Cause Cancer, but This Does
[2] WIND TURBINES HEALTH – University of Iowa
[3] Wind Turbine Sound and Health Effects – Novogradac
Trump’s Political Agenda and Energy Policy
Trump’s rhetoric about wind power often aligns with his broader political agenda of supporting fossil fuel industries and rolling back environmental regulations. His administration took several steps to reduce the role of renewable energy, including withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, reducing funding for clean energy research, and loosening regulations on coal and oil industries.
His skepticism about renewable energy may also be driven by ideological and economic considerations. The U.S. fossil fuel industry is a major economic force, and Trump’s support for oil, coal, and natural gas aligns with his desire to maintain energy independence and protect jobs in these sectors. However, this stance overlooks the global shift towards clean energy and the potential for job creation in the renewable energy sector.
In contrast to Trump’s stance, renewable energy advocates argue that investing in wind and other clean energy sources is not only crucial for mitigating climate change but also offers significant economic opportunities. The renewable energy sector in the U.S. has seen rapid growth, with thousands of new jobs created in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of wind turbines.
Conclusion
Trump’s rhetoric against wind power reflects his broader policy stance favoring fossil fuels over clean energy. However, as the renewable energy sector continues to grow and demonstrate its potential, his claims may become increasingly out of step with the future of energy in the United States and the world.
To be clear, I personally have no issue with a well-rounded mix of generation sources – it makes sense. I also am not trying to promote more wind generation assets, although they certainly have less environmental impact than coal and natural gas combined cycle generation, and they are dramatically less expensive to build and operate than nuclear. But, when I hear outrageous claims such as we have heard during the presidential campaign – and then get peppered by family and friends parroting those same claims – well, I felt compelled to do my own research and share it with my Energy Central and LinkedIn friends.
These are the facts. While wind power, like any energy source, has its challenges, many of Trump’s claims about its negative impacts are exaggerated or unfounded. Wind energy remains a crucial component of the transition to renewable energy, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. As with any technology, it is essential to rely on accurate information and scientific evidence when evaluating its benefits and drawbacks.
