Detection system prevents bird casualties
Nature and the environment are of paramount importance to most wind farm initiators. It is therefore logical to want to prevent bird victims caused by wind turbines as much as possible – not to mention the legal obligations. A bird detection system helps with this. Senne Koetsier, operations manager at GreenTrust, explains how it works.
Wind turbines account for only a small portion of bird mortality. The number of bird casualties in traffic or by cats on the prowl, for example, is many times higher. Still, of course, prevention is always better. For rare species such as the bald eagle, this is also an obligation under the Nature Conservancy Act. Senne: “There are only 70 or so bald eagles that stay permanently in the Netherlands. We have to be careful with them. Fortunately, with a bird detection system you can reduce the chance of bird casualties around a wind farm many times over.”
Camera detects birds and flight patterns
Wind Farm Krammer – a citizen wind initiative in which GreenTrust is closely involved – was the first wind farm in the Netherlands to use a detection system to prevent bird casualties. “Meanwhile, GreenTrust itself has equipped two wind farms with a bird detection system: Coronation Wind and Oostflakkee,” says Senne. “The system consists of cameras, which observe bird size and flight patterns. Using AI, you can deduce from this data whether there is a chance of a bird flying through the rotor blades. In such a case, the turbine is stopped until the bird has passed.”
Searching for the right balance
Installing and adjusting the system requires knowledge and care. “We are working with the developer of the chosen detection system in this regard.” indicates Senne. “But also with concerned nature organizations or an ecologist. Among other things, you have to take into account the species of birds and the environment. Because of course it makes a lot of difference whether the wind turbines are located near an industrial area or near a nesting site or resting area for birds on their annual migration. In tuning, the trick is to find a good balance, where the turbine stops when it needs to, but does not stop too often. At Coronation Wind, for example, the rotor blades also stopped when approaching planes took off from or were about to land at nearby Rotterdam Airport. Ultimately, you arrive at a setting that does justice to all interests as much as possible. Zero bird casualties is not possible, but a 95% reduction is achievable.”
Creating support
A bird detection system is not only a good way to comply with the requirements of the Nature Protection Act. It also helps create support for a project. Senne: “The fact that you are doing everything possible to prevent bird victims obviously creates more goodwill. When developing a new wind farm, this shows that you have the best intentions. Is the development phase already over? A detection system can also be integrated during the construction phase. Even if your wind farm is already realized, it represents added value.” And what about management and maintenance? “Especially with the newest systems, that’s not too bad,” Senne points out. “Usually it’s a matter of cleaning the cameras and occasionally replacing a camera or analysis unit. So easy to take along during the annual inspection of the wind turbine.”
Curious about the possibilities of a bird detection system? You can come to GreenTrust for advice that fits your project. We are also happy to take care of the tendering process as well as installation and management. Feel free to contact Senne.