Advancing seabird collision risk assessment: a flight tracking AI project
Existing technologies have fallen short in documenting three dimensional flight tracks of seabirds near wind turbines, as shown by the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) seabird study.
Short facts
- Aberdeen Bay, Scotland
- Seabirds
- Imrpove collision risk predictions
- 2023–2024
Accurate, objective evidence on close-range behaviour is crucial for reliably predicting collision risks for new wind farms.
To address this gap, a collaborative project was initiated with the Norwegian start-up spoor.ai to trial innovative technology that combines video cameras with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) provided scientific validation, and a panel of key stakeholder experts was established to ensure high-quality outcomes.
Four cameras were installed in the EOWDC wind farm to collect data during 2023. Both on-site, observer-based and offsite, drone-based validation trials were conducted. The results are expected to be published in spring 2025.
More about biodiversity
Biodiversity and nature protection are a priority at Vattenfall. It is one of the focus areas in our environmental policy and therefore also a central part in our environmental work.
See also
Enhancing marine biodiversity: nature inclusive design at Hollandse Kust Zuid
Nature-inclusive offshore wind design adds features to support native species.
Nature conservation efforts at Windplanblauw: artificial reefs and resting areas
Windplanblauw is a wind energy project located in the province of Flevoland in central Netherlands.
Projects funded by Bra Miljöval
When Vattenfall sells ‘Good Environmental Choice’ electricity, it funds aquatic biodiversity efforts.