Expanding wind power is essential for achieving net-zero emissions, but it must be done in a way that minimises harm to wildlife. Bird collisions with wind turbines are a well-documented environmental concern, affecting both biodiversity and public acceptance of wind energy. In addition, collision risks increase operational costs due to environmental monitoring and impact assessments.
The SKARV project aims to address this challenge through an active control system that predicts bird flight paths and adjusts turbine speed to reduce the likelihood of collisions. Unlike other mitigation strategies, such as temporary shutdowns, this approach seeks to prevent bird strikes without significantly affecting power production.
Researcher scientists will develop and test the system's feasibility and assess its benefits for different bird species. The project is a collaboration between SINTEF Energy Research, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), NTNU, Equinor og TotalEnergies. It is funded by the Research Council of Norway and the industry partners. Also involved are associated partners FME NorthWind, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU), ABB, Norwegian Offshore Wind, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Spoor , bringing further industry perspective to the project.
"We're delighted to have been given this opportunity to develop the SKARV concept and to collaborate with the partners on a solution that balances renewable energy and wildlife conservation," says project manager Paula Bastos Garcia Rosa.
