RSG Principal Ken Kaliski, PE, INCE Bd. Cert., recently coauthored an article published in Nature Energy (subscription required) that examines how local sound ordinances impact the potential for wind energy development across the United States.
The article, titled “The impact of sound ordinances on the land-based wind technical potential of the United States,” stems from research conducted in partnership with the US Department of Energy. Ken and the research team developed a methodology to assess wind turbine sound profiles nationwide and translate sound-related policies into spatial siting criteria. Their findings reveal that existing sound ordinances reduce wind energy capacity by 8% compared to a baseline scenario. A hypothetical nationwide 45 dBA limit would cut capacity by 29%, with disproportionate impacts on the highest-quality, lowest-cost wind resources.
“This study highlights how data and analytics can bring clarity to complex energy planning challenges,” said Ken. “By quantifying the trade-offs between policy and energy potential, we give decision makers the insights they need to shape smarter, more sustainable strategies.”
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