Windmill construction: what are the restrictions and how much time is needed

Ukraine is planning to expand its wind energy sector by constructing new wind farms. This construction is subject to numerous regulations and expert examinations. What factors need to be considered when building wind turbines, and how long does the process take?

Andriy Konechenkov, Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association, discussed this on Hromadske Radio.

Ukraine has a law on environmental impact assessments for infrastructure projects, Konechenkov explained. Each project undergoes a thorough review across various areas for a set period. Once a permit is obtained from the Ministry of Ecology, wind farm construction can begin.

«Wind power is the only industry that requires such detailed environmental studies. For some reason, this isn’t necessary even for nuclear or thermal power plants, as the state can prioritize energy security and fast-track the process,» Konechenkov noted.

He also mentioned that before work begins on a wind farm, it’s important to consult with the local community. If they oppose the project, developers must provide convincing arguments in favor of it or find an alternative location.

«Small-scale wind power can be a nuisance due to the noise from turbines. For industrial wind energy, we have regulations that require wind farms to be located at least 700 meters from a settlement, though you wouldn’t hear a modern turbine from 300 meters away,» Konechenkov added.

He also pointed out that if a wind turbine exceeds 45 meters in height and is located near an airport, it requires approval from the Ministry of Defence and aviation services.

According to Konechenkov, once all necessary permits are secured, the actual construction of a wind turbine can take one to two weeks. However, the process of project development, preparation, and conducting the required studies can take two and a half to three years.

On August 1, the first wind farm in the region was launched near the village of Nyzhni Vorota in the Carpathians. Its construction sparked protests from environmental activists, particularly due to the removal of vegetation in a large area. Nevertheless, Konechenkov emphasized that permission for such construction is granted only after studies are conducted by the relevant institutions.

«Yes, any construction affects the environment. But when a wind farm is built, vegetation is restored over most of the area. Zakarpattia can be compared to Austria, Switzerland, and Turkey, where wind turbine construction in mountainous regions is developing normally,» Konechenkov concluded.