Renewable Energy Noise

inacoustic has delivered noise assessments and developed the acoustic design for hundreds of energy developments. We are renowned as one of the UK and Ireland’s leading renewable energy noise specialists and are proud to work at the heart of a world-leading green energy sector.

As renewable energy generation and storage solutions can be located across a wide range of natural and urban landscapes, from mountaintop Wind Turbines and rural Solar PV installations to metropolitan Battery Energy Storage Schemes (BESS) and industrial Short Term Operating Reserve (STOR) sites, careful consideration always has to be given to how the introduction of a new renewable energy noise source may impact upon nearby residential receptors, and to what constraints the natural or built environment may impose upon the proposed development.

By seeking expert noise input, our clients can demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the welfare of the local community and an adherence to regulatory and legal requirements. Additionally, they can also identify the optimum strategy for scheme capacity, layout, orientation, equipment procurement and operational framework at the earliest possible stage, which helps to ensure long-term project success, viability and sustainability.

How is Renewable Energy Noise Assessed?

The methodology for assessing renewable energy noise impact is dependent upon if the scheme is already operational or is proposed, and upon the type of renewable energy scheme being assessed.

An Acoustic Commissioning Test, for example, should be undertaken to establish the noise impact of a renewable energy scheme at the location of the closest noise-sensitive receptor, whilst a combination of environmental noise survey data, detailed analysis, noise assessment and predictive computer modelling is generally employed to understand the degree to which a proposed scheme will impact upon the community when developed. 

Additionally, the assessment standards and methodologies differ depending on the type of renewable energy noise that needs to be assessed. Noise from a Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) Scheme or Battery Energy Storage Scheme (BESS), for example, is assessed in line with the established noise standards and guidelines as set out in the British Standard BS 4142:2014, whereas it is best practice for Wind Turbine or Windfarm noise to be assessed in line with ETSU-R-97.

How is Renewable Energy Site Planning shaped by Noise?

Ultimately, sound levels and noise impact play a critical role in shaping renewable energy site selection and site planning and should therefore be considered as early as possible in the project lifecycle.

Understanding how ambient noise levels differ across a potential site and how they fluctuate from day to night helps to shape the operating duration and frequency of the renewable energy scheme; knowing how the natural topography and meteorology of an area alter the propagation of sound from a renewable energy noise source shapes the design of an optimum scheme layout; generating early insight on how nearby receptors constrain a renewable energy site enables the development of suitable mitigation measures and the optimal selection equipment.

Are Renewable Energy Noise Assessments only required for Planning?

In short, no. Although noise assessments are frequently required to satisfy planning requirements for Renewable Energy Schemes, inacoustic are also engaged to undertake operational testing to meet client requirements and to confirm consistent equipment performance.

Our noise assessments can also be used to guide the purchasing process and, in doing so, reduce overall capital expenditure by a significant amount.

Additionally, for large-scale developments where development is anticipated to have a significant effect on the environment, our noise assessments frequently feed into Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) chapters or, when the project has to satisfy Environment Agency requirements, Environmental Statement (ES) Noise & Vibration chapters.  

What Renewable Energy Schemes require Noise Input?

inacoustic can provide noise support for all onshore renewable energy projects. To date, we have worked on the following schemes for our clients in the UK & Ireland:

  • Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV)

  • Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS)

  • Wind Turbines & Wind Farms

  • Short Term Operating Reserve (STOR)

  • Hydrogen Power Plants

  • Anaerobic Digestion (AD Power)

  • Biomass Energy

  • Biofuel & Biogass

  • Energy from Waste (EfW)

  • Geothermal Energy

  • Hydroelectric Power

To find out more about how the experts at inacoustic could help take your renewable energy project to the next level, get in touch.

  • "We highly recommend the team at Inacoustic – they do more than just deliver a report and have been instrumental in designing schemes that are sensitive to the environment, enabling us to find a solution on sites where options are limited, when securing consent was crucial to our clients’ business goals and to achieve wider sustainability goals through the renewable energy developments we manage. We know we can rely on the team to deliver high quality work and they are great to deal with"

    Aardvark EM Limited

  • "We have worked with inacoustic on a large number of planning applications for our energy projects. Their reports are thorough and robust and the team are very easy to work with. We would highly recommend them to anyone needing a quality acoustic consultant"

    Conrad Energy

  • “Inacoustic provide a responsive and excellent consultancy service. They’ve not only supported our projects with noise assessments and noise modelling, but they have also provided invaluable advice and guidance on relevant mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable design solutions are reached"

    Scala Renewables Group & SQ Planning LLP

  • "inacoustic are our first point of call when designing our renewable energy developments. They are proactive and provide efficient advice on the noise profile of our schemes, with associated recommendations to make them work. Their advanced knowledge in the market and forward-thinking approach means there is always a solution for even the most challenging of projects"

    Balance Power