Bird protection at offshore wind turbines

The aim of the project is to develop a concept for an automated bird migration detection network that is suitable for monitoring bird migration in the German EEZ (exclusive economic zone) as comprehensively as possible and in real time. In addition, the system should make it possible to predict – based on models – bird migration in the height range of wind turbines and to implement measures such as temporary shutdowns of the turbines during bird migration events. To this end, various technical systems and current developments are being evaluated and their suitability for use in the offshore sector is being tested. Another key concern is to identify suitable locations for the recording systems and to shed light on the administrative and logistical challenges involved in setting up and operating such a network. Experiences with bird migration monitoring and forecasting at sea, such as those already available in the Netherlands, are to be incorporated into the development of the concept through national and international exchange of expertise. At the end of the project, the concept outline should make it possible to implement a network for recording nocturnal bird migration in practice.

Procedure

The first step is a detailed analysis of the technical and administrative challenges that need to be taken into account when setting up a bird migration monitoring network in the German EEZ. This includes in-depth research and expert interviews on existing and future technical solutions for systematic bird migration detection (with a focus on radar and camera technology) and the development of a catalogue of requirements that suitable systems should fulfil.

Various analytical approaches to bird migration forecasting will be examined, as will the requirements of the various methods for the data to be collected. The expected accuracy of the forecasting models and their ability to make spatially differentiated predictions play a major role here.

Another important step is the search for suitable locations for the technical equipment. This includes the evaluation of existing infrastructure in the German EEZ, such as transformer platforms of offshore wind farms, infrastructure of grid operators, research platforms or weather masts, but also innovative solutions such as self-sufficient buoys. In dialogue with the operators of the existing infrastructure, the possibilities, prerequisites and conditions for their use for a bird migration network will be discussed.

In order to incorporate as much international expertise and experience as possible into the project, a workshop will be organised with international experts from the scientific community, representatives of authorities and other stakeholders from countries with experience in the implementation of bird migration forecasts in the offshore sector.