While France could, in theory, obtain a large part of its electricity from wind within three decades, there is still a long way to go. Indeed, the inhabitants are not always ready to accept the installation of a turbine near their home. In the Aisne part of the population is also very unhappy, complaining of a strange "wind syndrome".
In 2015, Mediapart mentioned a study by Ademe which presented a France with 100% of the electricity would be produced by renewable sources in 2050. These include hydropower, photovoltaics, geothermal energy, wood, methanisation, marine energies and wind power. In our country, the largest wind farm is in Hauts-de-France. This region has more than 2,000 wind turbines . As LCI explains in an article of July 2, 2020, a quarter of these wind turbines are located in the Aisne department alone.
In the town of Marle, the installation of turbines has offended some of the 2,300 inhabitants. They complain of an attack on the landscape, difficulties concerning the telephone network or television. Some residents also wonder if there are health risks.
For a few years in Marle, there has been talk of a strange "wind syndrome". In 2015, the magazine Environment, Risks &Health (PDF in French / 3 pages) described the phenomenon very well. On the one hand, this syndrome may be related to turbine noise , which can cause health problems due to stress or impaired sleep. However, in Marle, the inhabitants explain that they are plagued by stress, fatigue, irritability, dizziness and other tinnitus.
Also mention infrasound , whose impact on health would be direct. Questioned by LCI, Dr. Bernardeau, a doctor based in Marle, castigates wind turbines for this reason. These are sounds that are not heard by the human ear but capable of disturbing the organism.
“When the propeller spins, it produces air pressure on the mast. And with the wind, it sends a wave at 380 meters per second. Tests have been carried out in Finland. You can feel the infrasound for 30 kilometers around” explained the practitioner.
Finally, let's mention the fact that a report by the Academy of Medicine (PDF in French / 38 pages) published in 2017 listed more than 150 symptoms ! As for infrasound, the association SOS danger éolien, chaired by the wife of Dr. Bernardeau, cries foul. Indeed, dozens of studies have emerged in several countries, demonstrating the harmful effects of infrasound. In France, there would be none. And for good reason, for the association, the economic benefits would be too great. And if the solution came from the installation of wind turbines in deep water?
