Wind turbines operating in freezing climates frequently experience ice accumulation on their blades, which requires active heating or anti-icing methods (such as electro-thermal systems) to prevent operational failure and energy losses.
The claim states that windmills in freezing climates require external power (e.g., for heating/de-icing) so they do not seize up or lose function due to ice. The retrieved literature extensively covers cold climate wind turbine icing and active mitigation techniques such as electro-thermal anti-icing and de-icing, which require energy inputs. Therefore, the claim is supported by the evidence.