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Noise and wind power: New rules for more peace and quiet where you live!
On October 16, 2025, the article highlights the current status of wind power projects in Anhalt-Bitterfeld and the challenges of noise protection.
Noise and wind power: New rules for more peace and quiet where you live!
The discussion about wind power in Germany is gaining momentum. In recent weeks there have been repeated protests against the expansion of wind farms. In particular, the distances between wind turbines and residential buildings are the focus of public debate. While there are no uniform minimum distances set in many regions, the regulations in some federal states show guideline values of 800 to 1,000 meters. However, these distances are not binding everywhere and vary depending on the state building regulations, which remains incomprehensible to many residents. Like that MDR reports, there are two crucial levels: pollution control and construction and planning law.
If you look at the legal situation, pollution control is particularly important. The authorities are obliged to check whether the noise limits are being adhered to in residential buildings, especially at night. Sound forecasts are necessary to ensure that the legal requirements are met. Possible requirements, such as wind turbines being switched off at night, can be ordered by the authorities to ensure rest periods for residents.
Noise protection in focus
The Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG), which has been in force since 1974, aims to protect the population from harmful noises. Emission control permits are also required for wind turbines that are over 50 meters high. Approval requirements must be met to ensure that there are no significant disadvantages or nuisances for the neighbors. The Law Forum takes a look at the associated challenges and the legal framework that applies to commercial facilities.
The emission guidelines vary considerably depending on the type of area. In general residential areas, a maximum of 55 dB(A) is permitted during the day and 40 dB(A) at night. The values are even lower for purely residential areas, which shows that noise protection is particularly important for the resident population. Short-term exceedances of the guideline values are permitted under certain circumstances, but the issue of noise should be carefully considered when building wind turbines in order not to endanger the quality of life of local residents.
The role of wind energy for the future
Wind energy is seen as the core of sustainable energy supply and for achieving climate goals. Like that Federal Environment Agency As explained, the noises from wind turbines are often the subject of public discussion. It should be noted that there must be clear legal protection against harmful noises. The total exposure at the point of immission must not exceed the specified guideline values. The sound emissions from wind turbines must be assessed in accordance with the “Technical Instructions for Protection against Noise” (TA Rausch), and special information on noise protection supplements the guidelines.
Residents who have problems with noise from wind turbines can contact the operators of the turbines as well as the responsible municipality or the environmental office. These contacts are legally obliged to ensure good cooperation.
Social acceptance of wind power projects depends crucially on how the balancing act between ecological needs and local concerns can be achieved. A good hand in planning and implementation can make the crucial difference here and thus ensure both progress and peace in the neighborhood.