All 25 species of bat found in Germany are subject to special and strict protection under the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). Wind turbines can pose a significant threat to bats if no suitable protective measures are taken. Research in this field helps to better understand these conflicts and to develop effective recommendations for practical action.

Bats can be endangered by wind turbines in various ways. As nocturnal mammals that, depending on the species, can travel long distances, they are particularly at risk from collisions with rotors and barotrauma. In addition, their habitats are adversely affected when turbines are erected too close to their roosts and key hunting grounds 

With funding from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) supports research projects in the field of ‘nature conservation and renewable energy’ that expand our understanding of migration patterns, collision risks and protective measures. The following overview presents selected projects that examine the interactions between wind turbines and bats – for example, detection systems and shutdown algorithms. Their findings provide an important basis for species protection regulations and can help to ensure that wind turbines are operated in a more environmentally friendly manner.