Regardless of industry, businesses face internal or external challenges that can be a speed bump to progress. This is especially true in regards to the wind turbine industry, an industry that is working tirelessly to find solutions to their avian dilemma.
Put simply, the wind turbine industry is looking for ways to significantly decrease the number of bird (especially eagles) and bat casualties. In addition, it’s important for the industry to learn more about how wind turbines affects the species, as farms could have a drastic effect on their migration and habitation habits, for example.
However, the major issue is still the amount of fatal bird collisions that occur each year. According to an article from the Casper Star Tribune, approximately 573,000 birds are killed annually by wind turbines. The issue is more than just an ethical one though, as organizations such as The American Bird Conservancy have put pressure on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through lawsuits. In turn, the government has been more proactive in punishing wind turbine farms; in fact, Duke Energy was recently fined $1 million dollars by the government for their role in the death of 150 protected species.
Businesses, universities and others with a vested interest are trying to find way to prevent, or at least limit the amount the avian deaths caused by wind turbines. In the aforementioned article from the Casper Star Tribune, they mention how companies are trying to find a way to detect birds in advance, which will allow enough time to shut the turbines off before the birds get too close to the danger zone. Companies and universities employed an array of strategies, some of them more simplistic than others. For example, some have “bird watchers’’ who post up at a strategic location, then call when they see an eagle or bird in the sky. Others have used more advanced techniques, such as using cameras, radar technology and artificial noise intended to warn birds.
Fortunately, with many sharp minds working towards the goal of reducing avian casualties, it seems inevitable that a workable system will be designed. More likely than not, it will be an automated system that mitigates the opportunity for human error and slow response time.
For over a decade, Sentient Science has helped many businesses in the wind turbine industry develop custom solutions to meet their needs. If you are experiencing avian issues, we can provide you with the research, technology and guidance you need to avoid a major problem, such as a lawsuit.
Through the use of the industrial internet, we help you implement the best operating procedures to protect wildlife, without putting productivity at risk. Ultimately, we work to find a solution that benefits both our clients, and wildlife organizations.
For more information about how we can help your business, please request a demo of our services or contact us at your convenience.