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Alerts
These postings are provided to help publicize and provide examples of the efforts of affiliated groups and individuals related to industrial wind energy development. Most of the notices posted here are not the product of nor are they necessarily endorsed by National Wind Watch.
To Save a Beach: The Story of Reckless Renewables
When plans for offshore wind turbines reach Hawks Nest, Sandra Bourke believes she is fighting to save one beach: endangered petrels, migrating whales and the community bound to its shore.
She discovers a much bigger map of Australia.
With Bruce and campervan Rogue, Sandra crosses rainforests, cattle country, coastal towns, farming valleys and polling booths, meeting Australians resisting turbines, grid solar, pumped hydro and transmission lines as the machinery of government rolls on.
But beneath the campaign runs a darker current: intimidation, division, and hatred gathering force while those in power look away. The closer Sandra comes to power, the clearer the pattern becomes: warnings dismissed, dissent vilified, the government pressing on without listening.
To Save a Beach is a hard-hitting narrative non-fiction about reckless renewables, political power, and democracy. It asks what remains of the social contract when government stops listening, and what Australians do when looking away is no longer an option.
From the book:
“Our energy security is being eroded, our costs are rising, and our environmental footprint is getting bigger. Look at the land and the sea being taken. We are walking towards the top of a cliff, blindfolded, and the cliff is collapsing towards us. It’s a kind of stupid, self-destructive national suicide.” (Chapter 9: The Cost, Professor Stephen Wilson, Brisbane, Queensland)
“What is happening out here in rural communities is out-of-sight and out-of-mind for city people. Out here we see the destruction first-hand. The stories from communities around the country are horrifying, and we are ringing the alarm bells. Once we lose our precious Australian landscapes and habitats, they will be gone for good.” (Chapter 14: Katy McCallum, Borumba Pumped Hydro, Black Snake Range, Queensland)
“Across the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, developers have drawn up more than fifty wind and solar projects. If they all proceed, this district will carry upward of a thousand turbines and nine million solar panels, along with the transmission lines and substations that follow them. Build all of it, and the embodied energy swallows any benefit the machines might ever return. What stays behind is the local wreckage: productive farmland surrendered to steel. You would struggle to invent a worse way to make bulk electricity. It ruins the countryside and turns neighbour against neighbour. I want to stay. So, one question sits with me from waking to dark: how do we stop this?” (Chapter 13: Grant and Annette Piper, Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone)
“The mass media in Australia is not asking our politicians the hard questions. Can Chris Bowen please show us a map of where these renewables are going? Where are they planned? Where are they proposed? What’s the cumulative impact? What are the issues for regional communities, high-value agriculture, high-value biodiversity?” (Chapter 10: The Cartographer with a Camera, Steven Nowakowski, Ravenshoe, Queensland)
About the author:
Sandra Bourke is an Australian former federal law enforcement officer, national security specialist, and political advocate. She is currently the Director of Myall Coast Consulting Services. In 2024-25, she served as a spokesperson for ADVANCE, a conservative political group, and is a prominent critic of large-scale renewable energy projects in regional areas.
Release date: Mid-October 2026
Paperback, 350+ pages, $39.95
ISBN: 9781923568969
Connor Court Books
Economics, Environment, Massachusetts, Publications, Wildlife •
Source: Judy Foreman
The Scallop Plot: A Cape Cod Thriller
In this thriller, star investigative reporter Samantha Fuller joins a feisty Cape Cod fisherwoman to foil a wind farm developer’s evil plot to poison precious ocean scallop beds—and finds herself facing off against right-wing climate deniers.
In Provincetown, MA, feisty scallop fisherwoman Isabella Ferreira goes up against a sleazy wind farm developer, Olaf Svensson, who wants to install wind turbines in the ocean right off the coast of Cape Cod.
At a nearby scallop hatchery, marine biologists Leif and Astrid Borgen are already using the new gene editing technique CRISPR to insert a growth hormone gene into scallop embryos to make them bigger and thus more profitable—all of which is legal. But unbeknownst to the hatchery owner, Svensson is also paying the pair to insert another gene—one that causes PSP, paralytic shellfish poisoning. If this works, no one will ever eat scallops from this site again, thus freeing it up for Svensson’s turbines.
Enter Pulitzer Prize–winning Boston Times reporter Samantha Fuller. Together with Isabella, she slowly uncovers Svensson’s deadly plot—but not before hundreds of people die. Along the way, love blossoms, tragedies occur, and the subtleties of the pro- and anti-wind power groups are exposed.
Published by: She Writes Press
Release Date: August 11, 2026
Pages: 272
ISBN13: 979-8896363675
Buy the Book:
Amazon
Bookshop.org
Barnes & Noble
SoundSim360 long-distance low-frequency noise simulator
SoundSim360 is a high-fidelity acoustic simulation tool developed by SoundSim Technologies, based on more than 25 years of research in advanced numerical methods for wave-dominated partial differential equations.
Unlike traditional noise modeling software that relies on simplified ray-tracing or parabolic equation (PE) methods, SoundSim360 uses state-of-the-art physics-based algorithms (SBP–SAT finite difference methods) combined with GPU acceleration to deliver both accuracy and speed.
What it does
- Predicts sound propagation over long distances, where low-frequency noise dominates.
- Handles complex 3D environments including cities, buildings, and natural terrains.
- Simulates transmission and reflection of sound against facades, terrain, and ground surfaces.
- Models indoor sound propagation, including frequency-dependent transmission through walls and ceilings.
- Incorporates realistic physics: atmospheric effects (wind, temperature, humidity), diffraction, scattering, and interference.
Applications
- Urban planning: generating reliable noise maps for traffic, railways, air traffic, and construction.
- Environmental protection: ensuring quiet zones in parks and recreation areas.
- Wind farm noise: accurate low-frequency and infrasound propagation predictions.
- Building acoustics: studying how sound penetrates and propagates indoors.
- Marine/industrial noise: propagation in specialized environments.
Why it’s different
- Accurate at low frequencies (<200 Hz), where conventional models fail.
- Robust for irregular terrain and complex geometries.
- Can handle broadband and transient sources.
- Validated against measurements in real environments.
In short: SoundSim360 is a next-generation, GPU-accelerated acoustic simulation platform that delivers accurate, physics-based predictions of sound propagation in realistic 3D environments.
Learn more about SoundSim360 and infrasound in this 2024 presentation by Professor Ken Mattsson (in Swedish [for other languages, click settings to turn on subtitles, then change them to auto-translate —NWW]).
Relevant publications
- Ken Mattsson, Gustav Eriksson, Leif Persson, José Chilo, & Kourosh Tatar (2026). Efficient finite difference modeling of infrasound propagation in realistic 3D domains: Validation with wind turbine measurements. Applied Acoustics, 243, 111156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apacoust.2025.111156
- Gustav Eriksson, & Vidar Stiernström (2024). Acoustic shape optimization using energy stable curvilinear finite differences. Journal of Computational Physics, 517, 113347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcp.2024.113347
- Martin Almquist, Ilkka Karasalo, & Ken Mattsson (2014). Atmospheric Sound Propagation Over Large-Scale Irregular Terrain. Journal of Scientific Computing, 61(2), 369-397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10915-014-9830-4
Wind turbine noise
Wind turbines are large machines that generate a significant amount of noise. The type of noise depends on the design of the turbine, but generally speaking a wind turbine is a broadband source with a tilt towards the lower frequencies. It has been repeatedly shown in scientific studies that the highest noise levels from modern wind turbines are found in the infrasound region (frequencies below 20 Hz), and especially at 1 Hz and below. Based on measurements done together with acoustic experts, we have calibrated the 1 Hz source strength of modern wind turbines to be in the range of approximately 153-173 dB.
The atmospheric attenuation of infrasound is very small, for 1 Hz sound signals in normal weather the attenuation is less than 0.00003 dB/km. The small attenuation, together with the large source strengths of wind turbines in the infrasound region, leads to high infrasound noise levels in vast areas around wind farms.
The noise levels of a wind farm is also hugely influenced by the atmosphere. Not only does a stronger wind lead to more noise being generated by the turbines, it also helps transports the noise in the wind direction. A refracting atmosphere (an atmosphere where the speed of sound increases with altitude) also bends the sound waves in the atmosphere downwards, increasing the noise levels at the ground. These conditions typically occur at night time.
In SoundSim360 a fully 3D atmosphere is used, incorporating physical properties such as temperature, pressure, density, relative humidity etc. We also take into account the topography and ground type in the specific simulation domain.
To visualize the effects of the atmosphere on infrasound noise propagation, we have used SoundSim360 to simulate the 1 Hz infrasound noise propagation from Målarberget wind farm in central Sweden under various atmospheric conditions. The results of the simulations can be explored using the web app below.
In the animation above, we used SoundSim360 to simulate the infrasound propagation from the Lervik wind farm in southern Sweden, which consists of seven wind turbines. We have performed multiple measurements on Lervik and Målarberget wind farms to validate SoundSim360 and determine the source strength of modern wind turbines. In the figure below, the noise map from one such measurement is shown.
Sound pressure levels in 1 Hz from Lervik wind farm (x marks the location of the seven wind turbines, + marks the measurement point). The simulation is done with SoundSim360, which incorporates accurate weather data and ground conditions at the time of the measurement.
About
The founders of SoundSim Technologies are Ken Mattsson, Professor in Scientific Computing, and Gustav Eriksson, PhD in Scientific Computing, both at Uppsala University. Contact information is available here.
Aesthetics, Campaigns, Environment, Petitions, Scotland •
Source: Charter for the Open HillCharter for the Open Hill
A Charter for the Open Hill
Protecting the hills and moors of the Scottish uplands
- Recognising the contribution of the open landscape of hills and moors to the history, culture and identity of Scotland
- Recognising the importance to the tourist industry of the wide vistas across open landscapes, and the importance to local employment through the management of moorland
- Recognising the international importance and rarity of Scottish moorland habitats
- Recognising the natural origins of the open, unwooded hills and moors
- Recognising the current threats to the open hill, in particular its fragmentation through forestry and woodland planting
- Recognising, also, the ever-increasing infrastructure being imposed on moorland, including vehicle tracks, wind farms, dams, reservoirs, power-lines and masts
We, the undersigned, request that the Scottish Government takes steps to retain the remaining, unfragmented areas of open hill in Scotland through the identification of the key areas to be safeguarded for future generations.
NOTES
What is meant by ‘the open hill’?
The upland landscape of Scotland is characterised by wide tracts of unwooded moorland. There are many kinds of moorland, including heather moorland (particularly in the east), wet heath (particularly in the west), grass moor and peatlands. This Charter encompasses all types.
Origin of moorland
There is a widespread belief that most of the Scottish moorland has been created through human action, particularly the destruction of natural forest which once covered most of the land.
However, research shows that the moorland has developed naturally, its extent increasing as woodland, which was more common thousands of years ago, naturally declined.
This decline occurred through changes in climate, through long-term loss of fertility through leaching, and through the continual presence of grazing animals, particularly red deer. Modern research has identified the importance of grazing animals in shaping the landscape of natural ecosystems, with there being nothing natural about low levels of grazing.
Nature conservation value of moorland
Most moorland habitats, including dry heath, wet heath and peatbog, have been recognised as internationally important in the European Commission’s Habitats Directive, i.e. they are listed in Annex 1 of the Directive.
Unwooded, temperate moorland comprises internationally rare ecosystems, with a continuous link back to the Ice Age. Landscapes where the vegetation pattern has never been designed, the soil ploughed or the land planted, are now very rare in Europe, especially on the scale of the Scottish uplands.
Open moorland supports many important species, including red deer, breeding waders, golden eagles, hen harriers, red grouse, heather, cross- leaved heath, bog asphodel and rare liverworts.
Importance to the climate
The soils of the uplands are rich in organic matter (humus and peat) and therefore extremely important as a carbon store. Historical and cultural importance of moorland In historical times, the open hills and moors have been the backdrop to the history and culture of Scotland, including the Highland clans, Border raids, battles, castles, crofting, cattle droving, the Clearances, sporting estates, hill farming, music and song. Currently the management of moorland provides important rural jobs to the benefit of the local economy.
Open moorland: a distinctive Scottish landscape
The open hill of lochs and glens, heather and bog has become the landscape which now epitomises Scotland. It is a draw to tourists, who enjoy the wide vistas and the easily visible hills. Many areas have been identified as National Scenic Area, and the wildness of much of the remaining open hill has been recognised by its inclusion in Wild Land Areas.
If you are concerned by the ongoing loss of the open moors and hills of Scotland, then please sign this Charter (click here).
Note: This Charter is not about how moorland should be managed, but concentrates on the need to retain moorland in the first place – the need to produce a Locational Strategy for Moorland.
Download the Charter
Download a Charter sign-up form for use by community groups, local shops, local events, &c
Announcements, Meetings •
Source: International Conferences on Wind Turbine Noise
Wind Turbine Noise 2027 conference
We are glad to announce that the location and dates for the next Wind Turbine Noise conference WTN2027 have now been settled.
The conference will take place at the Hilton hotel, Strasbourg (1 av. Herrenschmidt, 67000 Strasbourg, France). It is located slightly outside the city historical center. A nearby tram station connects directly to the city center and the main train station. A free 3-days public transport pass should be given to the conference delegates, as a courtesy of the city council.
The conference will span over 3 full days from June 8th to June 10th, 2027.
A call for abstracts will follow later this year, together with information about online registration. Similarly to last edition, it will be possible to book hotel rooms via the registration link.
We wish you all a great summer!
Best Regards,
The WTN2027 Conference Organizing Team
DTU Wind
CEREMA (Joint Research Unit in Environmental Acoustics)
Environment, Film, Human rights, Norway, Wildlife •
Source: Johannes Vang, Aurinko Film
For Our Rights
Mer Enn Bare Fjell
The Norwegian Supreme Court ruled that a wind farm in a reindeer grazing area violates the Sámi people’s rights; however, the wind turbines remain in place. In response, young Sámi activists protest to compel the government to take action.
Vindturbinene står høyt over Fosenhalvøya. Høyesterett er klar i sin dom – konsesjonen var ugyldig, men regjeringen følger ikke etter. Unge samer føler seg tvunget til å sette til side sine hverdagsliv for å kjempe for sin identitet og menneskerettigheter.
Watch film—
Norway: tv.vg.no & filmbib.no
US, UK, Australia & Canada: ELEVI
Europe: Kinoora
Announcements, Belgium, Europe, Germany, Health, Luxembourg, Noise, Presentations, Sweden, Videos •
Source: Kartheiser, Fernand
Unheard, But Not Harmless: Public Health & Wind Energy Infrasound
Spinelli 6G306, European Parliament
[video below]
Key note speaker
Professor Ken Mattsson
expert in scientific computing and numerical analysis at Uppsala University
Additional intervention by Dr. Ursula Bellut-Staeck
physician-scientist and internationally recognized expert in microcirculation
With MEPs Fernand Kartheiser & Virginie Joron
Professor Ken Mattsson Participates in European Parliament Conference on Wind Energy and Public Health
Press Release · 2026-03-13 · Uppsala University
On 24 March, the conference “Unheard but Not Harmless: Public Health and Wind Energy Infrasound” will take place at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event brings together researchers, policymakers, and experts to discuss current research on sound and infrasound generated by wind turbines and their potential implications for human health.
Representing Sweden is Professor Ken Mattsson, a researcher in scientific computing at Uppsala University. Together with Dr. Ursula Bellut-Staeck of Germany, he will present findings and methodological considerations related to research on acoustic emissions from wind turbines. Their presentations focus in particular on measurement techniques and the modeling of sound and infrasound, as well as the scientific challenges involved in accurately characterizing these phenomena.
The conference takes place against the backdrop of ongoing discussions within the European Union concerning environmental noise and the Environmental Noise Directive. As the number of wind turbines in Europe continues to grow—currently exceeding 100,000, with many more planned—issues related to the measurement, analysis, and regulation of acoustic emissions have attracted increasing attention.
One area of particular interest concerns the development of reliable measurement methods capable of capturing the full spectrum of sound and infrasound emissions from wind turbines. Another concerns the need for harmonized approaches within the EU regarding how such emissions should be measured, analyzed, and assessed.
The issue has also gained prominence through Petition 0482/2021, in which organizations from several EU countries call for a common European framework for wind turbine noise. On 25 September 2025, the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions (PETI) unanimously supported further examination of the matter, and the European Commission has committed to providing a written response to the questions raised in the petition.
The conference aims to contribute to a scientifically grounded dialogue among research, policy, and society on how sound from wind turbines can be analyzed, measured, and addressed within the framework of future European guidelines.
In his contribution, Professor Mattsson will also emphasize the importance of modern computational methods tailored to low-frequency sound. In many contexts today, noise impacts from planned wind energy installations are estimated solely through calculations. Modern physics-based computational models can provide more reliable forecasts before facilities are constructed. At the same time, field measurements remain essential for validating models and ensuring compliance with applicable noise limits once wind turbines are in operation.
