Abstract
Wind energy is characterized as a clean and environmentally friendly technology, and this is one of the main benefits that makes it such an attractive and promising energy supply solution. The present chapter deals with the main social and environmental benefits from the introduction of wind energy in an area, such as CO2 emissions and fossil fuels imports reduction, creation of new job positions, and regional development. In addition, the environmental concerns resulting from wind power plants, such as noise, visual impacts, and a possible disturbance of the wildlife are described. Another very interesting issue that is of first priority when examining wind power projects is their social acceptance and public attitude. Methods for reliable impacts assessment, mitigation measures, and future trends in the impacts assessment and their mitigation are also being discussed.