Renewable energy
High-voltage powerlines and bird casualties
The energy transition has major consequences for the power grids, with high-voltage networks often needing to be upgraded and expanded to new areas. Birds are known to collide with high-voltage powerlines, resulting in injuries or death. These collisions may often be concentrated in ‘hotspots’, but what forms these hotspots is not always immediately apparent. Fortunately, we have experience in identifying these problem areas and also in how to limit the numbers of collision victims.
Waardenburg Ecology is involved in various projects relating to the energy network, from the planning phase to realization, and can help in reducing bird mortality by:
- Conducting research during the planning phase into routes that reduce impacts on, and may even benefit nature.
- Conducting field research into flight patterns using radar and Laser Rangefinders.
- Identifying hotspots and identifying solutions such as where to apply line markers.
- Collision victim monitoring.
Planning Phase
Prior to upgrading or expanding high-voltage networks, planning takes place that into the potential routes and types of structures to be used. During this phase, all environmental aspects are considered and described in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This forms the basis for determining the preferred option and any monitoring and mitigation needed. In this early phase, contributions from our ecologists help inform the most favourable routes within the existing landscape based on both ecological and legal arguments. This advice is based on evidence from our own expertise, literature reviews and field research.
Field Research with Bird Radar and Laser Rangefinder
To accurately visualize the flight patterns of birds, particularly during twilight and periods of darkness, we use our bird radars. We combine these data with exact flight heights measured using Laser Rangefinders. This provides insights into the volume, direction, and height of flight movements and helps identify potential hotspots.
Hotspots and Line Markers
Field research helps identify specific areas that could potentially constitute a hotspot for bird collisions. Line markers can then be applied to help reduce the number of bird collisions with high-voltage powerlines. This type of mitigation measure involves site- and species-specific customization to lead to a significant reduction in the number of birds killed by powerlines.
Collision Victim Monitoring
To accurately map collision victims, Waardenburg Ecology conducts mortality searches under existing powerlines. This provides baseline information on the potential numbers and species at risk and also on potential hotspots and effectiveness of mitigation measures. Furthermore, it provides knowledge that can be used to in future impact assessments.