German green group NABU is appealing against a decision by an administrative court in Cologne that dismissed its claim that the 288MW Butendiek wind farm in the German North Sea has caused environmental damage.
NABU alleges protected birds are avoiding parts of the protected area, known as the Eastern German Bight, near the WPD-built wind farm West of Sylt island.
A higher court in Munster will now judge whether the green group’s case has merit and whether compensation will need to be paid.
“It will be up to Germany’s Federal Agency for Nature Conservation to determine an adequate restoration of the damage if we win our case,” said NABU campaigner Kim Detloff.
The 80-turbine Butendiek wind farm entered full commercial operation in August 2015.
Image: WPD
