Posters

Abstract

The dynamic development of wind energy continues. The need to ensure energy security is forcing wind farm construction plans to also include areas attractive or intensively used by birds. Many farms in Europe already have detection-reaction systems to protect birds from colliding. In many cases, they enable turbines to be effectively stopped so birds can fly safely. There are few published data about effectiveness of bird protection by such systems using audio and strobe signals. We have analyzed the data from several detection-reaction systems installed on farms in Europe. Systems used strobo and/or audio signals. We used recorded data on the red kite, white-tailed eagle and griffon vulture. All birds recorded by the systems have been tagged to species by qualified ornithologists. We analyzed data of raptors activity near wind turbines to identify their avoidance bahavior. At the moment, the available data do not allow definitive conclusions to be drawn, but indicate the possibility of using this type of solution in minimizing the risk of collision. Data for vulture and white-tailed eagle from various locations indicate that only more than 5% of birds were in the direct collision zone after emitting audio and/or strobe signals, while for red kite the proportion of birds in this zone was about 20%. Our findings suggest that using strobo signalns for white-tailed eagle and using audio and strobo signals for griffon vulture, tmay be a way for these birds to avoid collisions and minimize the number of turbine shutdowns. The number of shutdowns varies from farm to farm because it is based on the site and species specific land use. In locations that are atritional feeding grounds or direct flight route to feeding grounds, the shutdowns may be numerous, which will generate losses in energy production.