Negative effect wind turbines on coastal tourism
Consultancy and research agency ZKA was commissioned the Dutch Ministry of Economy, Agriculture and Innovation to investigate the effects of an offshore wind farm within the 12-mile zone on tourism and recreation.
During the study, the aim was to gain objective insight into the effect of a wind farm at sea (at different distances from the coast), the valuation of (the view of) the coast and the experience and intention to visit. Three research groups have been set up for this. These research groups were then split into four groups.
Each group has seen a different photo of the same beach with a sea view. This involved a photo of the current situation, a photo simulation with a wind farm at 6 km, a simulation with a wind farm at 13 km and a photo simulation with a wind farm at 22 km.
The results of the study show that negative effects on tourism and recreation can be expected.
The deterioration of the view and the open horizon are not the only aspects that are considered less attractive. According to the visitors the presence of a wind farm also has a negative effect on nature, the atmosphere in general and the perception of the beauty of a region. This can ultimately result in a sharp decrease in the number of tourists.
This can ultimately result in a sharp decrease in the number of tourists.
Based on the results it was decided that the wind turbines would be placed at least 22 km from the coast.
The most important conclusions of the study:
– 70 to 90 % of the visitors consider the view and a free horizon very important
– the closer the wind turbines the more harmful the effect
– the visitors also think that wind parks have a negative effect on nature, general atmosphere and the assesment of an area being beautiful
You can find the full study here (in Dutch).