AI rescuer for birds: This is how cameras protect wind turbines in SH!

AI rescuer for birds: This is how cameras protect wind turbines in SH!

An innovative system to keep birds safe around wind turbines is now being used in Schleswig-Holstein. With the “Identiflight” anti-collision system, collisions between large birds and wind turbines will be prevented in the future using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence. The system is already installed at a location near Neumünster, even if there are no wind turbines there yet. However, five new systems are planned, whose bird traffic will now be carefully analyzed. And best of all: The system can see up to two kilometers into the sky and detects protected bird species such as red kites and sea eagles with almost 100% accuracy.

Wind power operators in Schleswig-Holstein currently have over 58 wind turbines with similar anti-collision systems in the pipeline. When a protected bird is detected, Identiflight immediately issues a shutdown command for the wind turbines. The experts from NABU are positive about the technology, but criticize the regulations for maximum shutdown, which only allow 6-8% of a wind power plant's yield. In contrast, the manufacturer of the system states that the yield loss should only be a maximum of 1.5%.

The protection of habitats

A little sideways glance at nature shows that the breeding season has begun in the Wadden Sea National Park. Here it is important that dogs are kept on a leash so as not to disturb the birds' nests. There are also new regulations for the island of Trischen, which can only be accessed by a nature conservation officer from NABU during the summer. This is intended to ensure the protection of the animals in their habitat.

The use of anti-collision systems is not mandatory in Schleswig-Holstein, but is becoming increasingly popular. Two Identiflight systems are to be installed at the Neumünster site after the planned wind turbines have been completed. The remaining systems with anti-collision systems are part of an increasing development that is characterized by an increasing number of innovative wind power projects.

Power supply on the rise

Another advance in the use of renewable energies is that wind turbines and solar systems recently covered the entire nationwide electricity requirement for the first time. This gives hope for a greener future and shows how important the expansion of this technology is. In this context, Schleswig-Holstein is an important location for wind power, and the expected installation of the anti-collision systems could be a further step in the right direction to both meet energy needs and ensure the protection of our feathered friends.

For more information about anti-collision systems, it's worth taking a look at their website Nature conservation energy transition. Current developments relating to wind and solar energy can also be found NDR.

The future belongs to innovative technologies and a commitment to nature conservation - true to the motto: protect birds, promote wind power!