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Effects of Offshore Wind Farms: Environmental and Social Perspectives from Uruguay

Author

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  • Milagros Forastiero

    (Offshore Wind Energy Research Group, Universidad Tecnológica del Uruguay, Francisco Antonio Maciel s/n esq, Luis Morquio, Durazno CP 97000, Uruguay)

  • Rodrigo Gutiérrez

    (Offshore Wind Energy Research Group, Universidad Tecnológica del Uruguay, Francisco Antonio Maciel s/n esq, Luis Morquio, Durazno CP 97000, Uruguay)

  • Franciele Weschenfelder

    (Offshore Wind Energy Research Group, Universidad Tecnológica del Uruguay, Francisco Antonio Maciel s/n esq, Luis Morquio, Durazno CP 97000, Uruguay)

  • Everton de Almeida

    (Offshore Wind Energy Research Group, Universidad Tecnológica del Uruguay, Francisco Antonio Maciel s/n esq, Luis Morquio, Durazno CP 97000, Uruguay)

  • Jesus C. Hernandez

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Jaén, Campus Lagunillas s/n, Edificio A3, 23071 Jaén, Spain)

Abstract

The installation of offshore wind farms is rising, driven by the goal of changing the global energy matrix. However, many of their possible impacts are still unknown. Increased noise levels, disruptions to food chains, pollution due to traffic, and impacts on fishing communities and tourism are all potential effects to consider. Marine habitats are essential carbon dioxide sinks. Therefore, losing marine biodiversity due to offshore wind farms can be counterproductive in mitigating climate change. Balancing biodiversity conservation, wind potential, and political interests is challenging. Today, Uruguay has significantly decreased the fossil share in its electricity generation, incorporating electricity generation from wind, solar, and biomass energy alongside hydroelectricity. In line with this, the country’s Hydrogen Roadmap highlights green hydrogen as relevant, potentially serving as a fuel for both domestic and export transportation. Combining the country’s strong base of wind energy production experience with its sustainable policy, it plans to implement offshore wind farms to produce green hydrogen, making studies of its impacts crucial. This paper reviews the current social and environmental information on the Uruguayan coastal habitat, analyzes onshore wind farms’ ecological studies, and examines offshore wind farms’ global environmental and social impacts. Finally, it proposes studies for environmental approval of offshore wind farms.

Suggested Citation

  • Milagros Forastiero & Rodrigo Gutiérrez & Franciele Weschenfelder & Everton de Almeida & Jesus C. Hernandez, 2024. "Effects of Offshore Wind Farms: Environmental and Social Perspectives from Uruguay," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:20:p:9057-:d:1502185
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chang, Tian-Pau & Liu, Feng-Jiao & Ko, Hong-Hsi & Cheng, Shih-Ping & Sun, Li-Chung & Kuo, Shye-Chorng, 2014. "Comparative analysis on power curve models of wind turbine generator in estimating capacity factor," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 88-95.
    2. Kaldellis, J.K. & Apostolou, D. & Kapsali, M. & Kondili, E., 2016. "Environmental and social footprint of offshore wind energy. Comparison with onshore counterpart," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 543-556.
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    Cited by:

    1. Patrizia Ghisellini & Renato Passaro & Sergio Ulgiati, 2025. "Is Green Hydrogen an Environmentally and Socially Sound Solution for Decarbonizing Energy Systems Within a Circular Economy Transition?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-55, May.
    2. Elena Turner & Michael Odei Erdiaw-Kwasie, 2025. "Exploring Residents’ Perceptions of Offshore Wind Farms in Western Australia: A Qualitative Investigation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-24, July.
    3. Martyna Kubiak & Artur Bugała & Dorota Bugała & Wojciech Czekała, 2025. "Simulation Analysis of Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms’ Generation Potential for Polish Climatic Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-42, August.

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