Long Read: Why Offshore Wind Farms Can Be Deadly to Migratory Birds

The sad tale of a black-faced spoonbill who failed to navigate a Yellow Sea wind farm

As countries worldwide install wind turbines as part of their move to green energy, scientists are urging caution, warning that the exploitation of wind power may come at the expense of vulnerable species.

Offshore wind farms, a key source of renewable energy, are growing rapidly, with global operational capacity reaching 80.9 gigawatts by the end of 2024, according to Renewable UK, a green energy trade association. China leads the world in both production and installation, accounting for over half of the global capacity with more than 41 gigawatts. In 2024 alone, China added 4.04 million kilowatts of offshore wind power.

However, the rapid growth of offshore wind farms has raised questions about their impact on biodiversity.