Protecting eagles: testing AI-based system for mitigating collision risks
Because eagles are long-lived and reproduce slowly, their populations are more vulnerable to fatalities compared to other bird species.
Short facts
- Gotland, Sweden
- Eagles (golden and white-tailed eagles)
- Protect eagles from wind farm-related mortality, test system to detect and preventing eagle collisions
- 2019–2022
Therefore, effective mitigation measures are essential during wind farm development to protect these species.
A previous study indicated that implementing such measures would result in only approximately 1% loss in annual energy production.
To explore the possibilities of developing and operating wind farms in areas with eagle presence, Vattenfall tested a camera and Artificial Intelligence based system (Identiflight) designed to shut down turbines when eagles are at risk of colliding. The system demonstrated high detection and identification efficiency for Golden and White-tailed eagles.
The project was a collaborative effort between the Swedish Energy Agency, GVP, the County of Gotland, and Vattenfall, conducted at the Vattenfall and Slite Vind wind farms at Näsudden on the island of Gotland.
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 bird safety: increasing turbine visibility to reduce collision risk
Increasing turbine visibility to birds is one strategy to reduce collision risks.
Protecting upland wildlife: mitigation and monitoring efforts at Ray wind farm
Ray wind farm encompasses diverse upland habitats, including coniferous woodland, blanket bog, wet and dry heath, acid grassland, and waterways.
Ensuring efficient fish passage: mapping fish using AI
To ensure that the fish passage works efficiently, we initiated a project to test how AI can be used.