BGWEA position regarding the protest of the United Bulgarian Beekeepers Union on March 1, 2025
In connection with the announced protest by the United Bulgarian Beekeepers Union on March 1, 2025, the Bulgarian Wind Energy Association (BGWEA) expresses its position regarding claims circulating in the public space about the potential impact of wind energy facilities on biodiversity and bees.
Globally, wind energy is recognized as one of the most sustainable sources of clean and emission-free electricity. The wind energy sector plays a crucial role in environmental protection by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to energy security, and reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports.
In recent months, there has been widespread concern about the potential impact of investment plans for new wind farms on local flora and fauna. In this context, representatives of various beekeeping organizations have expressed concerns about potential effects on bee colonies and reductions in honey yields.
Wind Farms and Ecosystem Sustainability
Wind energy is essential in combating climate change. Wind farms generate electricity without releasing harmful greenhouse gases, helping reduce carbon emissions, preserve natural habitats, and support their adaptation to a changing environment. As climate change increasingly threatens ecosystem sustainability, the role of wind energy in mitigating these effects is more crucial than ever.
Wind Farms and Bee Habitats
A common misconception is that wind farms disrupt bee habitats. Most wind farms are located in rural or agricultural areas, where intensive farming is already taking place, and their potential impact on bee populations is limited. In fact, numerous studies and long-term practical experience clearly show that wind power plants do not have a negative impact on bees or beekeeping.
Statistical data from Bulgaria: Analysis of the Bulgarian Beekeepers’ Registry as of June 21, 2024, shows that the highest number of bee colonies are kept precisely in areas with the most wind turbines—northeastern Dobruja (23% of registered colonies in Bulgaria). This is confirmed by data from the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, which shows that in Dobrich Province, where the highest concentration of wind turbines exists, the number of bee colonies is also the highest.
Bees primarily interact with flowering plants, and wind turbines pose no threat to the flowers or plants they pollinate. In his publication, Prof. Pavel Zehtindzhiev, a Bulgarian ornithologist and professor of ecology and ecosystem conservation, emphasizes the high adaptability of honeybees to changing living conditions. Successful urban beekeeping further supports this.
Wind Farms and Pollinator-Friendly Practices
In some cases, wind farms can even create opportunities to promote pollinator-friendly practices. By incorporating local plants and wildflower meadows in wind farm areas, habitats can be improved for bees and other pollinators. These areas can serve as important refuges, providing nectar and pollen for bees, while supporting the health of local ecosystems. Bees are attracted primarily to flowers, and wind turbines do not affect their ability to find food sources. Multiple international studies support these findings, including research in southern France, which shows that hives located near wind turbines are not negatively affected. Queen bee egg-laying, orientation, and protective behavior do not depend on the presence of wind turbines.
Coexistence of Wind Farms and Bees
The notion that wind farms and bees cannot coexist is based on misinformation. Wind energy projects implement various best practices related to sustainable planning and management, such as preserving natural habitats and integrating pollinator-friendly practices.
The Bulgarian Wind Energy Association (BGWEA) and its members are responsible investors who support their business projects with thorough research, allocating funds annually for scientific and expert studies on these issues. Under current Bulgarian legislation, wind projects undergo an open and strict environmental impact assessment procedure, where potential effects of the projects are analyzed and evaluated.
Call for Constructive Dialogue
In light of the above, BGWEA calls for constructive dialogue based on objective, scientifically substantiated data, avoiding unfounded claims and insinuations. Our association has always been and will remain open to cooperation with beekeeping organizations and the scientific community to conduct all necessary studies to ensure the sustainable development of both the wind energy sector and beekeeping in Bulgaria.
Conclusion
We emphasize again that wind energy is a key element in combating climate change, which poses a serious threat to all ecosystems, including bees. Wind farms offer opportunities to mitigate climate change, preserve natural habitats, and even support pollinators by creating more diverse ecosystems. Collaboration between the renewable energy sector and beekeeping is essential for the sustainable development of Bulgaria and the protection of the environment.
The Bulgarian Wind Energy Association (BGWEA) is a representative organization for the wind energy sector in Bulgaria, uniting companies active in the sector, including investors in wind power generation projects. BGWEA members represent approximately 50% of the country’s total installed wind capacity. The association is recognized by key institutions and market participants as a discussion partner with the necessary expertise and representation, and it actively supports state institutions and local communities on issues related to renewable energy development, particularly wind energy in Bulgaria.
BGWEA remains open to dialogue and available for further questions and discussions on the topic. Contact person: Betina Lyudmilova, Administrative Director of BGWEA, phone: +359 889 206 822
Sources:
- Bulgarian Beekeepers’ Registry: https://iisr.egov.bg/BABHRegsExt/pagesPublic/registers/registerAnimalDefault.xhtml?reg=53&locale=bg
- Prof. Zehtindzhiev study: https://pronewsdobrich.bg/ima-li-vrazka-mezhdu-otglezhdaneto-na-pcheli-obilieto-na-divecha-i-proizvodstvoto-na-chista-elektroenergiya-ot-vyatara-p516772
- “No negative impact of wind turbines on bees” – Pro News Dobrich
- Beekeeping and its role in rural ecology and development:
