Wind farms generally contribute to improving the quality of the environment, because they do not emit harmful substances, but on the contrary contribute to reducing emissions of CO2 and other harmful gases and particles, which energy sources running on fossil fuels would cause. Therefore, powerplants running on renewable energy sources such as the wind are a key component of countries’ energy transition plans and a crucial component for reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in an effort to avert a global climate catastrophe.
The Vetrozelena wind farm will, besides becoming one day the largest wind farm in Serbia and contributing significantly to carbon emissions reduction, will also be developed, built and operated in line with the strictest and highest environmental standards. As such, it will in no way disrupt local ecosystems, cause harm to the biosphere of the land on which it is developed or disrupt the flow of surface water and groundwater. Since the wind farms do not use any fuels, there is also no danger of chemical pollution of watercourses.
In order to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the wind farm on the environment, CWP will undertake monitoring of birds and bats at the location of the future wind farm for at least a year. The monitoring will be carried out in line with the highest European standards (SNH, EUROBATS) and its results will later be used in the preparation of a study on the assessment of the impact of the wind farm on the environment.
CWP has hired an independent consultant in the field of environmental protection, the internationally recognized company Ecoda GmbH & Co. KG. from Germany, which is very well acquainted with the state of ornithofauna and chyropterofauna in the wider area of the future Vetrozelena wind farm. The engagement was initiated with the aim of optimally defining the terms of reference and appropriate methodology for monitoring birds and bats, taking into account international recommendations in the field, as well as for regular consultations during the monitoring. The observation of birds and bats and the preparation of the accompanying report were entrusted to local experts who were estimated to be able to best respond to the project task.
The main objectives of bird and bat monitoring are to collect data on the number and species of birds and bats present in the area of the future wind farm, then to define their characteristics, degree of endangerment and level of protection, habitat analysis, habitat size assessment, hunting grounds and migration routes. The monitoring process also defines mitigation measures for wind farms that must be applied during the operational phase.
Based on preliminary consultations with the Institute for Nature Conservation of Vojvodina Province, the nesting zones of the steppe falcon (Falco cherrug), one of the most endangered species in Serbia, have been determined in the vicinity of the wind farm, and the necessary distance from the mentioned zones has been determined. The stated recommendations of the Provincial Institute were fully taken into account when defining the boundaries of the wind farm, and the coverage was then approved by the Institute for Nature Conservation of Vojvodina Province and the previously mentioned Conditions were issued for it.
CWP remains committed to protecting the environment and all elements of the local biosphere in order to ensure its wind farms in no way cause any harm or disruption to fauna, flora, migration patterns, water flows or any other element that could throw delicate ecosystems off balance. We carry out careful studies of relevant elements, conducted by experts in their fields in line with the highest standards, and take proactive steps to integrate their findings into our project development and adjust the projects accordingly.