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OTTAWA, August 27, 2008 – The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) welcomes the publication of the findings of a study on Barotrauma in the journal Current Biology by University of Calgary researcher Erin Baerwald.

This two-year study of bats in the Pincher Creek area of Alberta, funded by government, industry and conservation organizations,  concludes that Barotrauma – damage to body tissue in bats associated with sudden drops in atmospheric pressure – is the cause of some bat fatalities near wind turbines.

While most wind farms have not experienced any issues related to bat mortality, a small number of wind farms have. As a result, several collaborative research initiatives have been undertaken by the wind energy industry and bat experts in an effort to understand this perplexing issue.  The study published this week was supported by TransAlta, which has pledged to continue support of research into  bat behaviour and biology. This is but one example of the wind energy industry’s high regard for wildlife and its willingness to identify and implement solutions to mitigate any significant impacts the industry has on our natural surroundings.

This study and the new information it provides will contribute to the development and implementation of initiatives to reduce the risk of bat mortality around wind farm projects.

CanWEA is the voice of the wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind power throughout Canada. We serve as Canadas leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits and effects.