Facing headwinds: potential impacts of wind energy expansion onCentral American bats

Resumen

Wind energy became an alternative electricity source after the oil crisis of the 1970s. However, wind energy is not environmentally neutral, as it causes fatalities in many species of bats and birds. Central America is home to 170 bat species and 30 wind farms are currently operating in five of the seven countries in the region, with others under construction or planned. Our objectives are to assess current policies and legislation related to wind energy and bat conservation; to present regional bat fatality estimates based on current and future wind development; to analyze which species could be affected by wind power projects in Central America and where; and to recommend actions that can mitigate these threats. Through a bibliographic review, we compiled three classes of data: (1) laws and regulations currently in force; (2) present and projected wind power projects; and (3) species and landscapes potentially affected. Environmental protection laws are in force in all seven countries, and biodiversity legislation provides protections for all native bat species, especially threatened species. The countries with the highest wind energy installed capacity are Costa Rica (390 MW), Panama (270 MW), and Honduras (241 MW). In the future, Panama is expected to have the highest capacity (1.24 GW), followed by Costa Rica (400 MW), and Honduras (368 MW). Wind energy projects currently create threats for bats in six landscapes within the region. Policy changes should be considered immediately to develop more stringent regulations. An increase from current installed capacity to projected installed capacity leads to an increase in projected regional bat fatality. Mitigation measures have the potential to reduce bat fatality, but studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of these measures are needed. Data and studies of bats in wind farms should be available, and publications in peer review should be allowed by the companies. Wind energy is an important alternative energy source to reduce environmental problems globally; however, it is very important to do so with the least possible impact on wildlife. Single wind farms may not directly cause species' extinctions, but the cumulative effect of multiple wind farms as stressors on bat populations may be too great to overcome if nothing is done.