Combining wind energy and bird protection with modern technology: Research project starts in the Uckermark

Red kites, white-tailed eagles and other birds are potentially at risk of colliding with wind turbines. The Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) and the Kompetenzzentrum Naturschutz und Energiewende (KNE) in the district of Uckermark (Brandenburg) are now investigating whether and how cameras and radar systems can help to protect these collision-prone bird species.

The Uckermark, used as a model region for the research project, is the habitat of numerous specially protected birds, including kites, white storks, peregrine falcons, buzzards, white-tailed eagles and ospreys. They all belong to the raptor and large bird species that are particularly at risk from collisions with wind turbines. In order to achieve the goals of Brandenburg's energy strategy, the expansion of wind energy in at least two per cent of the state's area is necessary. Effective protection of large birds and birds of prey and the utilisation of wind turbines must therefore be combined. One solution could be anti-collision systems, as these switch off the wind turbine when a bird approaches.

HNEE and KNE are now testing two anti-collision systems in the varied and diverse landscape of the Uckermark using a virtually simulated wind turbine. The accuracy and reliability of the systems are being empirically analysed in these areas for the first time, allowing conclusions to be drawn for later use throughout the state. Prof. Dr Jan-Peter Mund explains how the systems work: "If a bird is detected and then recognised as a species at risk of collision, the system sends a shutdown signal to the wind turbine. The turbine is switched off and goes into spin mode. This prevents the bird from colliding with the wind turbine."

Anti-collision systems work with state-of-the-art technology and automatically detect all flying objects in a 360-degree radius using cameras or radar. They are already being used abroad - with different specifications - and are currently also being trialled at several other locations in Germany. Anti-collision systems can significantly reduce the increased risk of killing wind energy-sensitive bird species. However, the systems are only likely to be highly effective if they are sufficiently efficient and reliable, which must be proven through trials in accordance with scientific standards. It is also important to concretise the level of knowledge about the performance and suitability of individual systems for specific locations. "It is important to test the systems at specific and representative locations," emphasises Prof. Dr Siegfried Rieger. "Testing in the Uckermark is therefore essential for later use in the federal state."

Brandenburg's energy targets
Due to the strict protection of raptor and large bird species, potential wind suitability areas in Brandenburg are often not allowed to be developed or only partially utilised. This in turn leads to difficulties in realising the goals of Brandenburg's energy strategy. In Brandenburg, two per cent of the state's land area is to be developed for wind energy and the currently installed 7.5 gigawatts of wind energy capacity is to be expanded to 10.5 gigawatts by 2030. It is planned that the energy requirements of Brandenburg and Berlin can be completely covered by renewable energies by 2050.

Scientists from HNEE and KNE will be working on site until October. The findings from the research project will then serve as a basis for discussion with decision-makers in the state of Brandenburg.

Project title: 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)
Project sponsor: Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy of the State of Brandenburg (MWAE)
Project consortium: HNEE and Kompetenzzentrum Naturschutz und Energiewende (KNE)
Duration: 1 June 2021 to 31 December 2022
Funding volume: 1.8 million euros from funds from the assets of parties and mass organisations of the former GDR

About the KNE
Founded in 2016, the Competence Centre for Nature Conservation and Energy Transition (KNE) is an institution 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.