Posters
Come meet the poster presenters to ask them questions and discuss their work
We would like to invite you to come and see the posters at our upcoming conference. The posters will showcase a diverse range of research topics, and will give delegates an opportunity to engage with the authors and learn more about their work. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply curious about the latest developments in your field, we believe that the posters will offer something of interest to everyone. So please join us at the conference and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and engage with your peers in the academic community. We look forward to seeing you there!
PO034: Wind energy and biodiversity conservation: Perspectives and challenges for shutdown on demand (SDOD)
Ben Jobson, Consultant (Renewables), The Biodiversity Consultancy
Abstract
Historically, wind energy projects have been installed in areas that are important for vulnerable species of birds and bats where the relative collision risk can be highly site-specific and dependent on several contextual project features. Shutdown on demand (SDOD) has been demonstrated to be the most effective post-siting mitigation measure for reducing bird and bat mortality at wind farms and consists of stopping turbines temporarily in response to the presence of species meeting previously determined criteria or during particular weather conditions. This presentation will describe the state-of-the-art technologies now available to implement SDOD and present the perspectives and limitations associated with the technology overall. We will present the different options for operational implementation of SDOD, including observer-assisted, technology-assisted (i.e., using radar and/or camera detection) and smart/blanket curtailment based on certain weather conditions like wind speeds. The advantages and disadvantages of using the different options will be discussed based on direct experience and the available scientific literature, as well as the decision pathways or protocols that can be followed to select the best project and site-specific approach. Apart from the efficiency in avoiding bird collisions, the available information on the impacts of SDOD on energy production will also be discussed. This presentation aims to promote a stimulating discussion among the participants on the strengths of SDOD as a mitigation measure, as well as about the main challenges and potential limitations to its operation. We hope to foster the industry to reflect on the benefits of considering the approach and costs associated with SDOD at an earlier stage of the project planning, and of anticipating the processes for monitoring SDOD performance and impacts.
