Project launch: Bird detection systems on the test bench

On 1 June, the project "Implementation of proof of performance for detection systems to reduce bird collisions at wind turbines in Brandenburg" ("Durchführung von Leistungsnachweisen für Detektionssysteme zur Verminderung von Vogelkollisionen an Windenergieanlagen in Brandenburg") was launched, which is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy of the State of Brandenburg (MWAE). The Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE), in cooperation with the Competence Centre for Nature Conservation and Energy Transition (Kompetenzzentrum Naturschutz und Energiewende, KNE), is testing sensor-based, automatic bird detection systems to prevent wind energy-sensitive raptors and large birds from colliding with wind turbines.

Background to the project
In order to achieve the climate protection goals of the federal and state governments and thus reduce CO2 emissions to the required extent, a significantly intensified and at the same time environmentally friendly expansion of wind energy will be necessary in the coming years throughout Germany, as well as in Brandenburg. "The additional expansion of wind energy presents us all with nature conservation and social challenges. This is where anti-collision systems can provide a possible solution," says Siegfried Rieger, Professor of Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management and Hunting Management at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development.

The presence of wind energy-sensitive species of large birds and birds of prey often leads to conflicts in terms of species protection when it comes to siting and the authorisation of wind turbines under immission control legislation. In Brandenburg, species-specific, so-called animal-ecological distance criteria (Tierökologische Abstandskriterien, TAK) to the breeding sites have so far been provided as an avoidance measure for wind energy-sensitive bird species. This means that large areas away from settlements are excluded from wind energy utilisation. Already designated suitable areas cannot be fully utilised due to the protective distances.

At the same time, there are uncertainties as to how the potential impact of a project on bird species occurring at the site can be predicted and assessed, particularly with regard to their collision risks.

Anti-collision systems (ACS) as a possible solution
The use of ACS, such as radar or camera systems, could help to minimise the risk of bird collisions with wind turbines. They have the potential to recognise approaching birds so that the turbine can be switched off in good time and put into "spin mode". This reduces the risk of collision.

However, the current level of knowledge about the performance and suitability of individual systems in specific locations is still limited. The systems therefore need to be trialled at specific locations, taking into account representative site characteristics for Brandenburg.

Objectives of the project
On the one hand, the project aims to verify the manufacturer's information on the performance and reliability of anti-collision systems through independent testing. On the other hand, the effectiveness and local suitability of anti-collision systems are to be determined, taking into account the landscape structures that characterise Brandenburg. It is also planned to determine the economic effects of the use of a demand-orientated shutdown with regard to operational restrictions as well as possible technical effects (e.g. increased wear and tear). Finally, a possible need for further development of individual systems will be derived from the results on the basis of the generated test results. The extent to which the findings can be transferred to other federal states will also be discussed.

By gaining this knowledge, the debates in the state of Brandenburg should be objectified and a contribution made to environmentally compatible wind energy expansion and conflict prevention. On this basis, it will be possible to discuss with the Brandenburg stakeholder groups at the appropriate time whether and in which planning situations the tested AKS have the potential to reduce the collision risk to below a significance threshold and thus achieve authorisation.

Procedure
Two AKS, a camera system and a radar system, are being trialled at two locations in Brandenburg. When selecting the trial sites, care is taken to ensure that they cover a representative spectrum for Brandenburg in terms of their characteristics and species occurrence. In other words, specifically in areas where birds at risk of collision breed and where wind turbines are therefore not authorised, as Jan-Peter Mund explains: "In regions with nests of birds of prey, it will be possible to record numerous flight movements in order to obtain meaningful data on the performance of the tested systems. The small-volume detection devices are not disruptive to the landscape and do not affect the birdlife."

The methodological procedure for system testing to determine technically valid results has already been developed by the Competence Centre for Nature Conservation and Energy Transition (KNE) with the support of relevant experts (KNE 2019). The project needs to further concretise the recommendations made and adapt the testing method to the local conditions.

The project-accompanying working group (PAG) plays a central role in the project. The PAG acts as an advisory body and exchange platform for decision-makers in the state of Brandenburg. The participants in the PAG can contribute their expertise and Brandenburg-specific knowledge to the project design at the meetings. In a first PAG meeting on 25 June 2021, fundamental decisions regarding the design of the trial project were discussed together with the PAG members. The focus was on the selection of the systems to be trialled and the trial locations.

HNEE is in charge of the overall project, which is based at the two departments of Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management and Hunting (Prof. Dr Siegfried Rieger) and Geoinformation and Remote Sensing (Prof. Dr Jan-Peter Mund). In cooperation with the KNE, the HNEE is responsible for the conception and project coordination, the content design and the technical and organisational support for the implementation of the trial project. The scientific utilisation of results and the transfer of knowledge are of great importance in the course of the project. Eva Schuster, academic staff member at HNEE, is responsible for the content and project coordination.

About the Competence Centre for Nature Conservation and Energy Transition (KNE)
Founded in 2016, the Competence Centre for Nature Conservation and Energy Transition (KNE) is an organisation supported by the Michael Otto Environmental Foundation and funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment. The purpose of the non-profit limited company is to support a nature-friendly energy transition on the ground. The KNE offers advice and comprehensive specialist information, organises dialogue and exchange, and mediates specially trained mediators in the event of conflicts arising from the expansion of renewable energies.

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