The operators of the 144MW Westermeerwind offshore wind farm off the Netherlands coast are talking to the Dutch aviation authority about local residents’ concerns over the brightness of red flashing lights on four turbines.
The red lights are in place to alert pilots at night to the presence of the turbines – which have tip heights of over 150 metres – in line with International Civil Aviation Organization recommendations.
However, local residents have complained that the lights are too bright and are particularly disturbing on clear days.
Westermeerwind said that during construction of the wind farm it had done its “best to reduce the lighting to a minimum”, but also feels the lights are too bright.
The talks with aviation authority are to look into the possibilities of dimming the lights when there is good visibility.
Legislation is also being prepared to dim the lights during good visibility, which would reduce the burden on local people, Westermeerwind said.
The wind farm consists of 48 Siemens 3MW turbines and delivered first power to the Dutch grid in November last year.
Image: Westermeerwind
Light relief needed at Westermeer
Locals disturbed by wind farm's flashing aviation warning system
By EBS