Residents in northwestern Denmark are raising alarms over mysterious low-frequency noise they believe stems from nearby wind turbines. A growing group is calling for more studies and transparency into noise from wind turbines in Denmark as health concerns mount.
Unexplained Sound Raises Concerns in Quiet Town
In the small Danish town of Frøstrup, nestled in the forests of Thy in northwestern Jutland, residents have been unsettled by a persistent, eerie sound—a deep humming that some say feels more like a vibration than a typical noise. One of them, Nina Iversen, was particularly alarmed when her young son asked her what the strange sound was.
She first noticed the low drone in 2022 and initially dismissed it as her imagination. But it returned regularly, especially on windy nights, and soon her mother-in-law confirmed she’d also heard it. As neighbors started reporting hearing the same tone, Iversen launched her own investigation.
Living Near the Largest Wind Turbines in Denmark
Just under five kilometers from Iversen’s home stands the Østerild Test Center, where some of the world’s tallest wind turbines, reaching over 300 meters, are being trialed. Operated by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and used by the wind energy industry, the facility allows full-scale turbine testing before commercial launch.
Frøstrup residents, including Iversen and about 30 others, believe the low-frequency noise is coming from the massive turbines. The suspicion has prompted concern not just about discomfort, but about possible long-term health impacts.
Health Risks and Questions Over Noise From Wind Turbines in Denmark
Many residents, including Iversen, reported symptoms such as headaches, poor sleep, and stress, which they fear may be caused or worsened by the constant low-frequency noise. Scientific studies link long-term exposure to such frequencies with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, though proof of a direct causal relationship remains inconclusive.
Denmark’s noise regulations for wind energy rely on modeling rather than real-time measurements, a method that has drawn criticism. Independent research commissioned by TV 2 and conducted by Swedish expert Pontus Torsen found that on several days, real noise emissions were up to 10 decibels higher than allowed, equating to noise levels ten times stronger than estimates.
Worries Grow as Expansion Looms
Despite past promises that no new turbines would be added to Østerild, the government is now planning a major expansion. If approved, the center would be allowed to install five new wind turbines, each towering up to 450 meters, 1.5 times the height of the Great Belt Bridge pylons.
The expansion could require up to 35 homes to be vacated through expropriation, including 60 buildings within the nearby Thylejren community. It’s one of Denmark’s largest forced relocations related to energy infrastructure development.
Wind Turbines in Denmark Versus Local Impact
The Danish wind industry argues that the expansion is vital. Green Power Denmark, a trade organization, highlights Denmark’s role in leading green energy innovation. The group insists testing larger turbines is essential for fighting climate change and ensuring electric grid stability.
Local opposition doesn’t reject renewables but calls for better balance. Residents like Iversen, who support green energy solutions, argue that environmental and health risks must be fairly assessed. They question whether enough is being done to safeguard people already living near test centers.
Calls for Independent Measurement and Validation
Concerned by discrepancies in DTU’s reports, Iversen reviewed the calculation models herself and discovered inconsistencies in fundamental data such as house elevations. She and others have called for full-scale noise measurements versus theoretical models, especially targeting the elusive ultra-low frequencies.
Danish researchers have echoed these concerns for years, warning that the country’s current noise assessment methods may underestimate real-world impacts. Scientists like the late Henrik Møller emphasized that larger turbines release stronger low-frequency emissions due to their size and blade speed.
Families Caught in a Test They Never Agreed To
Many in Frøstrup feel as if they are unwitting participants in a massive energy experiment. What started as frustration over an odd noise has morphed into a profound fear over health, displacement, and the sacrifice of protected nature.
Though the Iversen family is not within the official “noise zone” and therefore won’t be forced to move, they fear for their children growing up in an environment that may carry unknown risks. Until there is more scientific clarity and regulatory accountability, families feel exposed.
In the end, residents like Iversen urge decision-makers to prioritize transparency, stricter oversight, and a more human-centered approach to green energy development.
