Options to mitigate utility-scale wind turbine impacts on defence capability, air supremacy, and missile detection

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in, and concern over, the impact that the growing number of utility-scale wind farms are having on air supremacy and early warning missile detection in relation to radar clutter and shadow, seismic noise, and flight obstructions. This work focuses on US defence industry concerns in relation to wind developments and conducts US industry interviews with representatives from the field of radar, the wind development industry, and government defence agencies. The results of the interviews provide detailed insights defining radar and military concerns raised around wind turbines and reveal that the US Department of Defense (DOD) have invested US $3 million to date on developing a suite of solutions to these concerns. This research discusses selected solutions available for the US DOD approval and alternative options that may be introduced to mitigate the impact of utility-scale wind turbines on defence and security. Implementing solutions will require greater cooperation between government agencies and wind developers, dedicated funding, a common research plan, and streamlined processes. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.