On October 8, 2025, Professor Ken Mattsson, Professor in Scientific Computing at Uppsala Unniversity (Sweden), delivered a ground-breaking lecture in Copenhagen titled “Separating Myth from Fact on Wind Turbine Noise.”

The seminar, organized by Landsforeningen Naboer til Kæmpevindmøller took place during Denmark’s EU Presidency — in the very centre of Europe’s wind industry — and has already been described as a turning point for science, health and public policy.

25 Years of Research Behind SoundSim360

Prof. Mattsson has developed SoundSim360, a scientifically validated model for sound propagation based on more than 25 years of research in mathematics, acoustics and computational simulation.

His results demonstrate that official models such as Nord2000 underestimate real sound levels, particularly in the low-frequency and infrasound range.

“Sound power levels stated by manufacturers are one of the biggest lies — they can vary by more than 20 dB during a single day.” — Prof. Ken Mattsson

Wind turbines emit infrasound that can travel at least 10 kilometres from the source and has been shown to affect the human body and brain. Yet, authorities and the industry continue to ignore this, relying on A-weighted dBA scales that cannot describe low-frequency noise.

“The A-weighted scale is misused — it cannot describe infrasound or low-frequency noise accurately.”

— Prof. Ken Mattsson

Current models used by agencies in Denmark and Sweden are too simplified, allowing parameters to be adjusted to fit a desired outcome. This leads to distorted environmental assessments and gives a false sense of safety. Atmospheric layering and weather changes can amplify sound dramatically — effects that official methods fail to capture.

Mattsson urged governments and authorities to adopt modern, physics-based models that include pulsation, atmospheric influence and infrasound propagation. According to his analysis, a safe distance from large turbines should be between 5 and 10 kilometres to protect human health.

The second lecture of the day, “Infrasound Affects the Brain,” was given by Dr. Håkan Enbom, M.D., Ph.D., ENT-specialist and otoneurologist. Dr. Enbom explained how low-frequency sound influences the brain’s balance system and sensory processing, adding critical medical evidence to Mattsson’s physical findings.

Strong Political Support in Brussels

On the 25th of September, the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions (PETI) held a historic session in Brussels concerning the petition on wind-turbine noise and human health.

Several major political groups expressed strong cross-party support for regulatory reform, including:

– EPP (European People’s Party – Moderates & Christian Democrats)

– S&D (Socialists & Democrats)

– PfE (Patriots for Europe)

– The Greens/EFA (Green Party & European Free Alliance)

Even the Chair of PETI, representing the ECR Group, endorsed the initiative.

The Committee praised the petition’s scientific quality and the data presented by independent experts, including Prof. Mattsson and Dr. Enbom.

The European Commission acknowledged that new perspectives are opening within both the Environmental Noise Directive review and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) — particularly regarding Renewables Acceleration Areas. The Commission pledged to deliver a written opinion within three months and hinted at a forthcoming revision of the Noise Directive — a unique opportunity to finally bring wind-turbine noise into EU law.

The unanimous support in PETI now paves the way for:

– A PETI fact-finding mission in 2026.

– Possible ENVI Committee action to collect independent data on noise and health impacts.

This is a true breakthrough: for the first time, both the European Parliament and the European Commission recognize the need for clearer rules, scientific accuracy and human-health protection in relation to wind-turbine noise.

Prof. Ken Mattsson’s Copenhagen lecture, combined with the PETI Committee’s decision in Brussels, marks a turning point for science, politics and public health in Europe.

After decades of neglect, wind-turbine noise and infrasound are finally on the EU agenda.

This achievement reflects a decade of persistent, evidence-based collaboration — proving that truth and science can still influence policy in the age of the green transition.