Any risk assessment should be based on the best available scientific evidence. This review compiles and analyses the available scientific evidence on the environmental risks associated with renewable energies that may affect the health and welfare of farm animals. The operation of wind farms can cause stress to livestock species through certain major disturbances: acoustic waves; shadow flicker, low frequency noise or infrasound (sound waves that are inaudible to humans but not to other animals), extremely low frequency magnetic fields, and high frequency electromagnetic radiation. Among other things, transmission line can affect, the use of habitat by livestock. Solar farms can reduce the heat stress in livestock and improve the nutritional quality of the vegetation under their structures, which would allow a small increase in the carrying capacity of pastures. Assessing the impact of these structures is considered a complex area of research, with so far only partial answers, and even less for livestock species than for wildlife. Future research should aim to increase knowledge on habitat conservation issues and identify mitigation measures to overcome the negative effects of these structures on animals. It should also be used to improve the design, to systematically prevent the impacts they cause.

Blanco‑Penedo I., Palacios‑Riocerezo C., Mena Y., Álvarez‑Rodríguez J. (en prensa). Relación entre las estructuras físicas asociadas a las energías renovables y la salud y el bienestar del ganado extensivo: revisión bibliográfica. ITEA‑Información Técnica Económica Agraria. Vol. xx: YY-YY. https://doi.org/10.12706/itea.2024.014