Wind turbines and birds in Flanders (Belgium), Preliminary summary of the mortality research results

The government of Flanders (northern part of Belgium) has the ambition to reach 6 % of the electricity supply from renewable sources like wind energy by 2010. Many wind farms are planned in the near future. In September 2000, the circular letter EME/2000.01 of the Flemish government was produced, outlining the criteria and pre-conditions for the construction of wind farms. Based on the circular letter, a “wind plan” was established for the Flemish part of Belgium (VUB & ODE Vlaanderen 2001). This wind plan can produce useful information on spatial and wind-technical feasibility of specific projects. Additionally, a bird atlas (see further) can also be used to evaluate the proposed or potential wind farm areas in relation to nature values (Everaert et al. 2003). In 2006, a new circular letter EME/2006/01 was made which replaced the older version (Vlaamse regering 2006). The authorities have the obligation by official order to strictly apply the current circular letter.