Pre- and Post-Construction Studies of Conflicts Between Birds and Wind Turbines in Coastal Norway: Status Report 1st January 2008

Report

Title: Pre- and Post-Construction Studies of Conflicts Between Birds and Wind Turbines in Coastal Norway: Status Report 1st January 2008

Author:

Bevanger, K.; Follestad, A.; Gjershaug, J.; Halley, D.; Hanssen, F.; Johnsen, L.; May, R.; Nygård, T.; Pedersen, H.; Reitan, O.; Steinheim, Y.

Publication Date:

January 1, 2008

Document Number:

NINA Report 355

Pages:

Affiliation

Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)

Technology:

Wind Energy, Land-Based Wind

Receptor:

Birds, Raptors

Document Access

Website:

External Link

Attachment:

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Citation

Bevanger, K.; Follestad, A.; Gjershaug, J.; Halley, D.; Hanssen, F.; Johnsen, L.; May, R.; Nygård, T.; Pedersen, H.; Reitan, O.; Steinheim, Y. (2008). Pre- and Post-Construction Studies of Conflicts Between Birds and Wind Turbines in Coastal Norway: Status Report 1st January 2008 (Report No. NINA Report 355). Report by Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA).

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Abstract

NINA has since 1999 undertaken various research and investigation activities related to wind power generation and birds (with special focus on white-tailed sea eagles). Financial support has been provided principally by NVE (the government regulator) and Statkraft (an energy company), but also by EBL (the energy industry trade organisation), DN/MD (government environmental agency/department), Norsk Hydro, AMEC, (energy companies), and RSPB (a British environmental NGO). In June 2006 NINA submitted the funding application “Pre- and post-construction studies of conflicts between birds and wind turbines in coastal Norway” (a capacity-building project with industry participation) to the Norwegian Research Council (NFR). NVE, Statkraft and EBL agreed to contribute supplementary funds amounting to 660 000 NOK annually in the project period (2007-2010). MD/DN has also voiced support for the project without committing funds. In the application it was established as a basis that the activities begun in 2006, financed by Statkraft, would be continued through the project period. This in particular concerned the purchase of radar equipment and development of other technical equipment to test possible methods to prevent bird strikes. The budget in the NFR project was in consequence very tightly precommitted, and it was a precondition that the research advances would come from activities financed on the basis of resources from the NFR project together with additional resources from Statkraft and possible other actors (e.g. NVE, EBL, and DN/MD). In late December 2006 it was confirmed that the project had received financing from the RENERGI programme. This report briefly summarises activities in the ‘umbrella project’ in 2007. In all, activities are underway in 11 subprojects, while 3 others await financing. Due to delays in obtaining clarification of funding levels, some of the activities are behind the original schedule and it will therefore be necessary to consider an extension of the project by about six months, to c. 1^st July 2011. A postdoctoral researcher has been employed within the project, and two Masters students at the Norwegian Technical and Scientific University (NTNU) are attached to the project.