Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Study raises concern offshore wind farms could reduce nearby rainfall
Large offshore wind farms may affect weather downwind, including rainfall, according to a German study of North Sea projects.
The study estimates that rainfall could fall by 10% to 12% in parts of Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
In Australia, University of Sydney professor emeritus Ivan Kennedy is studying how wind turbine wakes affect the atmosphere.
He is concerned about possible effects on Gippsland, where the proposed Star of the South project would place 147 turbines about 10 kilometres offshore.
He says less rain could affect farming and wetlands and increase bushfire risks, but the Australian effects remain uncertain.
The 2.2-gigawatt project is part of a Victorian government wind auction, and local campaigners want the possible rainfall effects examined.
The federal environmental assessment agency says it must consider relevant information, including public submissions.
A German study says expanding North Sea offshore wind farms could reduce rainfall in parts of Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom by 10% to 12%.
University of Sydney professor emeritus Ivan Kennedy is studying turbine wakes and warns they could affect rainfall and land downwind of Australian projects.
He says the proposed Star of the South wind farm could affect Gippsland wetlands and agricultural areas.
Local campaigners are calling for the possible effects to be investigated before Australian offshore wind projects proceed.
- Who
- University of Sydney professor emeritus Ivan Kennedy and local campaigners are raising concerns about offshore wind farms. The proposed Star of the South project is also under scrutiny.
- What
- A German study warns that offshore wind farms could reduce rainfall downwind. Researchers and campaigners want the potential effects considered in Australia.
- When
- Stockhead published the article on 13 October 2026. The German study is described as the latest research, but its publication date is not stated.
- Where
- The concern involves North Sea wind farms and proposed Australian projects, including Star of the South in Gippsland and projects in the Illawarra.
- Why
- Turbine wakes could alter regional climate and reduce onshore rainfall, potentially affecting agriculture, wetlands and bushfire risk.
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- German study estimate
- Rainfall could fall by 10%-12% in parts of Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
- Star of the South turbines
- 147 proposed turbines, 10km offshore
- Gippsland project capacity
- 2.2GW
- Potential wake distance
- European studies cited by Kennedy discuss effects up to 70km
- Australian researcher
- Ivan Kennedy, University of Sydney professor emeritus in agriculture and environmental chemistry
What people are saying
I would be very concerned that there could be significant effects in the Gippsland area, on those (Corner Inlet Ramsar-listed) wetlands and agriculture areas
If developments at this scale can reduce rainfall or humidity, could they leave places drier and more vulnerable to catastrophic bushfires?
This is something that needs to be looked into here and right across the country where these projects are proposed
Sources
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