The expansion of wind energy plays a key role in the plans of the European Union and the German government to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent and as much as 30 percent respectively by 2020. Yet existing and planned wind farms are not without their share of controversy. Onshore wind farms in particular often face opposition from local inhabitants on the grounds of noise pollution, and rotors sometimes break as a consequence of their natural vibration. The structure of the wind turbines has also been affected in some areas by powerful vibrations.

Suppliers of wind turbines now use vibration dampers and bearing elements made from rubber or rubber-tometal compounds at various points in the turbine to prevent vibration and noise generation. For instance, the gearboxes and generators, which weigh up to 60 metric tons and 20 metric tons respectively, are supported on elastomeric bearings, which absorb the static and dynamic forces over a specified lifetime of 20 years and as far as possible isolate the structureborne sound generated in the gearbox and generator from the frames.
The correct use of gearbox bearings reduces vibration in the rotor blades and tower. Housings such as the nacelle shell also have to be isolated from environmental vibration to prevent them from being damaged.