Concerns about environmental effects of wind energy continue to challenge the wide-scale deployment of land-based and offshore wind projects. WREN is the leading international forum for exchanging and disseminating up-to-date, science-based research and methods with which to assess and monitor the environmental effects of wind energy development.
Task 34 compiles and assesses information from existing and proposed studies conducted by member and nonmember countries, as well as other information that is publicly available. Efforts that contribute to resolving conflict will continue to be pursued. These efforts include identifying the conflicts, the barriers, and strategies that are being adopted to resolve barriers.
The primary objective of WREN is to facilitate international collaboration to advance the global understanding of environmental effects of offshore and land-based wind energy development. Through the work packages in WREN, member representatives will contribute to advance the knowledge base to document what is known about the impacts of wind energy technology on wildlife and the environment.
Expected Task 34 WREN Results
- Continued expansion of international collaboration and knowledge transfer including linking to efforts by other groups dealing with wind energy when appropriate. Such groups may include, but are not limited to, OSPAR Commission, International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES), and Intergovernmental Fora.
- Dissemination of scientifically-based information and recommendations to government regulatory organizations, along with the research, wind development, and environmental communities, through a webinar series, development of two-page short science summaries of pertinent research findings, slide decks of relevant information, and other direct outreach approaches.
- Continued enhancement and maintenance of WREN Hub to facilitate easy access to existing literature and relevant information on the effects of wind development on wildlife and habitats at a global scale.
- Continued development and publication of white papers that focus on and advance the state of understanding on central issues of global concern within the wind community.