Geobiology, a pseudo-science that finds its way onto wind farm sites

Missioned by wind developers and farmers, geobiologists are accused of charlatanism. Their method, not scientifically validated, raises concerns among sector specialists.

Partagez:

Geobiologist dowsers, often called to wind farm sites, are at the center of a growing controversy. Their mission is to detect “telluric currents” believed to disturb animals, particularly cattle. This phenomenon, although popular in some regions of France, has never been scientifically validated. Nevertheless, these practices continue to garner attention, particularly at wind farm construction sites.

An employee of a wind developer, who requested anonymity, reported to AFP that a geobiologist had been invited to a project in western France. His method involved shaking a plastic rod and observing its movements to detect the presence of an underground watercourse. The idea is that these invisible flows could affect animals near the wind turbines.

In 2017, a wind project also sought the services of a geobiologist at the request of a farmer concerned about telluric currents. The expert in question recommended a method to “inform” the concrete slab before it was poured, a process supposedly meant to restore a vibratory function to the structure. According to a report seen by AFP, this was done by adding a homeopathic product called Pneumatit, which includes such curious processes as Bible readings or the playing of classical music during its production.

Accusations of charlatanism

The practice of geobiologists has been criticized by several experts, including Sébastien Point, a physicist at the CNRS. According to him, geobiology presents itself as a scientific discipline by borrowing terms like “cosmo-telluric chimneys” or “torsion fields,” but these concepts have no scientific basis. “We’ve known for two centuries that it’s a scam,” he asserts.

However, these critiques are rejected by the geobiologists themselves, who defend the legitimacy of their profession. Bernard Olifirenko, president of the National Confederation of Geobiology, believes the profession should not be judged by the isolated acts of a few unscrupulous practitioners.

A controversial protocol

The practice of geobiology has taken on particular significance in regions like Loire-Atlantique, where it is sometimes included in the preliminary stages before the installation of wind turbines. The Pays de la Loire Chamber of Agriculture has even set up a protocol requiring wind farm companies to finance these geobiological studies before any installations. While the Loire-Atlantique prefecture confirms the existence of this protocol, it specifies that this type of diagnostic is not mandated by prefectural decree.

Robin Dixon, representing France Renouvelables, denounces this practice as an example of “soft law.” According to him, the absence of this type of geobiological study could penalize project developers in obtaining administrative approvals, even if all other environmental studies have been conducted.

The lack of scientific studies

Although geobiology is popular in some regions, particularly in Loire-Atlantique, no causal link has been proven between telluric currents and the disturbances reported by farmers. The National Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment Research (Inrae) points out that there are very few rigorous scientific studies on this subject.

In this context, experts in the renewable energy sector fear that geobiology could become a lucrative business for some practitioners, exploiting the distress of farmers facing poorly explained phenomena.

Iberdrola España and Renfe conclude a virtual power purchase agreement for 370 GWh per year for ten years, strengthening the use of renewable energy in Spanish railway transport.
TotalEnergies has been awarded a concession in the North Sea enabling the development of a 1GW offshore wind project, reinforcing its strategic presence in Germany.
With an annual increase of 14%, global offshore wind capacity now reaches 85.2 gigawatts, driven mainly by China, the United Kingdom, and Germany, while another 27.3 gigawatts are currently under construction.
Seabed exploration begins in Jammerland Bay to validate the placement of sixteen turbines and the cable corridor, the first tangible step before construction of the project led by TotalEnergies and European Energy.
RWE and Østermark Entreprenørforretning celebrate advanced construction of the operational building for Denmark's largest offshore wind farm, promising up to 60 permanent local jobs by 2026.
RWE and Amazon Web Services enter a strategic collaboration to supply renewable energy for data centres and accelerate digital capabilities within the global energy sector.
SSE Renewables inaugurated its first wind farm in Southern Europe in Chaintrix-Bierges and Vélye, with eight Siemens Gamesa turbines and an investment exceeding €30mn ($32.3mn).
The Astenn Avel consortium, led by Elicio and Q ENERGY, brings in VALOREM to bid for the 500 MW floating wind project planned off the coast of Southern Brittany.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of the Mesgi'g Ugju's'n 2 wind farm, co-owned by Mi'gmaq communities and Innergex, through a combined equity and debt financing package.
The first turbine of the Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion project was assembled at Port-La Nouvelle, marking a major industrial milestone for Ocean Winds and its partners.
RWE inaugurated an onshore wind farm in Plounérin and Plounévez-Moëdec, featuring four turbines with a capacity of 14.7 MW, in partnership with the local SEM Lannion-Trégor.
The Moulins wind farm, made up of five turbines, was inaugurated on June 6 across three municipalities in the Douaisis region. It will generate €70,000 in annual tax revenue for local authorities.
Chinese firm SANY Renewable Energy enters Serbia through a 168 MW wind deal aimed at powering the local grid from 2028.
The Wedgeport Wind project led by Elemental Energy secures $97mn from the Canada Infrastructure Bank to install 12 turbines in southwest Nova Scotia.
France’s first floating wind farm, Provence Grand Large, located off the Gulf of Fos, has been commissioned with a 25 MW capacity, supplying the equivalent annual electricity consumption of 45,000 people.
Norges Bank Investment Management has finalised the acquisition of stakes in RWE's German and Danish projects, representing 2.6 GW of planned installed capacity by 2029.
Enlight has secured $310mn in financing to convert Gecama into a 554 MW wind-solar-storage hybrid plant, making it the largest installation of its kind in Spain.
The contracts for the offshore wind farms of Fécamp, Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Brieuc have been amended to allow production shutdowns when electricity prices fall below zero on the market.
AMEA Power has completed the commissioning of a 500MW wind power plant in Ras Ghareb, bringing its total deployed capacity in Egypt to 1GW within six months.
The 102 MW wind project in Québec secures structured loans from Canadian banks, marking a new stage for the joint venture between Innergex and the Mi'gmaq communities.