A world-first Australian study has found that pulsing wind farm noise is sometimes audible inside a home up to 3.5 kilometres from a turbine, in findings likely to buoy those opposed to the low-emissions technology.

The Flinders University research gathered data at nine homes near a single, older-style wind farm in South Australia and did not study year-round conditions. However, the researchers say their findings demonstrate the need for further investigation into the potential relationship between wind turbine noise and sleep disturbance.

Researchers say further investigation is needed into the possible relationship between turbine noise and sleep disturbance. Credit:Erin Jonasson

The Australian Wind Alliance said no wind farm noise complaints were lodged in South Australia last year and that the industry was widely accepted by rural communities.

Growth in large-scale renewables including wind farms has created thousands of jobs and helped drive down greenhouse gas pollution from Australia's energy sector.