The software tool ProBat 7.0 calculates bat-friendly cut-in wind speeds for onshore wind turbines (WT). This operational management helps to minimise the killing risk for bats (collisionr barotrauma) and allows a more efficient operation of the installations compared to blanket switch-on or switch-off requirements.
The geographical distribution of the future expansion of onshore wind energy is one of the major controversial planning tasks. The new method funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation enables the transfer of all aspects of nature and landscape conservation of relevance for wind power to a national GIS model for the first time. Thereby, an evaluation of different wind power expansion scenarios in terms of their risks of conflicting with nature and landscape conservation is possible. The analyses show that, for the 2035 target of roughly 270 TWh of energy from onshore wind turbines, there is considerable scope for expansion that is compatible with nature and landscape.
Bird flight diverters on high-voltage lines reduce the approach and collision risks for birds. However, expert conservation examination of new construction projects still leaves uncertainty in assessing their effectiveness for individual bird species in practice. The new convention proposal makes the first assessment of the degree to which the constellation-specific risk (CSR) for 164 bird species can be reduced by the use of bird diverters.
According to the Federal Immission Control Act, small wind turbines (WTGs) up to a total height of 50 m do not require a permit. Not much is yet known about the effects on birds and bats in particular. Two research projects funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) are providing initial answers as to which factors as to which factors can contribute to a reduction in the risk of collision when selecting a site.
The broshure addresses the question of how nature conservation concerns can be integrated into the development of future heating and cooling supply and presents six basic principles for a nature-compatible heat transition. The publication is primarily aimed at municipalities, planning practice and households. It is also based on the results of a research and development project. In this project, the researchers examined the efficiency of land use and the effects of the technologies on nature and the landscape. Among other things, they looked at the use of biomass, (large-scale) heat pumps, solar thermal systems, heat networks and heat storage systems. The R&D project was funded by the BfN with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment.
Space utilisation behaviour of kites in the vicinity of wind farms
Farming events on agricultural land have a spatial and temporal attraction effect on red kites and black kites. This behaviour can be taken into account when designing measures to promote populations. However, no reliable predictions can be made about the individual flight behaviour of kites, as a large number of factors influence flight behaviour. As part of the research project, temporary shutdowns during management events (avoidance measure) have proven to be more efficient than control measures, such as placing mowing areas slightly further away to keep kites away from wind turbines. The R+D project was subsidised by the BfN with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment.
A BfN research project has compiled a total of 54 FCS measures for eight exemplary bird species with different habitats - the endangered species Eurasian Hobby and Eurasian Curlew as well as the species marsh harrier, red kite, black stork, white-tailed eagle, white stork and honey buzzard, which are currently not endangered. The measures can counteract various forms of impairment, such as habitat loss, and are therefore suitable for both the National Species Recovery Programme (nAHP) and species recovery programmes of the federal states. The measures range from protection concepts for nesting sites to the maintenance of orchard meadows and the creation of fallow or flowering strips in arable land to the rewetting of forest wetlands.
How can the expansion in renewable energies be designed in harmony with nature? The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) is providing expert scientific advice on this question to the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (Bundesumweltministerium, BMUB). Research by the BfN always has a practical application and generates scientific results for advising government i.e. supplies a basis for decision-making for the preparation, implementation, monitoring and further development of nature conservation measures and the Federal Government's nature conservation policy.
