Widely used datasets of wind energy infrastructures can seriously underestimate onshore turbines in the Mediterranean

Abstract

Reconciling wind energy development with biodiversity conservation requires accurate maps. As the coordinates of wind turbines are often not publicly available, many conservationists use datasets curated by research groups or volunteers, whose accuracy is unclear.

We used satellite images to assess the accuracy of three of these datasets, at portraying onshore turbines currently operating in Sardinia (Italy). We recorded 1155 turbines, far more than those reported by Smeraldo et al. (n = 914), Open Street Map (n = 766) and Atlaimpianti, the only public map of wind turbines in Italy (n = 507).

Our findings question the accuracy of open-source datasets about onshore wind energy infrastructures, particularly where the development of renewables is going fast. Before being used for research or policy these data should be validated on the field. Create, validate and disclose accurate data about these infrastructures should become a priority for environmental agencies worldwide.