As part of its mission to support the global deployment of wind energy through a better understanding of environmental issues, WREN has created a free, online tool to catalog monitoring and mitigating technologies developed to assess and reduce potential wildlife impacts resulting from land-based and offshore wind energy development. WREN will continuously maintain and update the research status of technologies to ensure the international community has access to current, publicly available information on monitoring and mitigation solutions, their state of development, and related research on their effectiveness.
Results can be refined by selecting from the drop down menus or entering a search term. Listed monitoring and mitigation technologies are reviewed on an annual basis, but can be updated more frequently if needed, by emailing tethys@pnnl.gov. The wind energy community may also contribute additional technologies for consideration by filling out this survey.
The full list of monitoring and mitigation technologies can be downloaded here. Definitions for terms used in this tool are available here.
Hierarchy | Industry & Phase | Stressor & Receptor | Technology | Description | Placement & Integration | Research Summary | Citations |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Monitoring | Land-based, OffshorePlanning, Operation | Attraction, Avoidance, Turbine CollisionBats, Birds | Normandeau Associates Inc. Acoustic and Thermographic Offshore Monitoring (ATOM) system | The ATOM system represents a collection of multiple sensors designed to collect information about bird and bat activity in the rotor swept zone....Read more The ATOM system represents a collection of multiple sensors designed to collect information about bird and bat activity in the rotor swept zone. Each ATOM system combines four types of wildlife sensors that collect data: thermal cameras operating in stereo, a visible-light camera, acoustic detectors for birds and bats, and a VHF receiver to detect birds fitted with Motus Tags. Use of a combination of sensors aims to allow the system to continuously collect data in harsh environmental conditions. System status can be checked using an internet connection from a satellite modem, wifi, or ethernet port. Read less |
Sensors installed on turbine platforms and buoys |
Large-Scale Field Study
Willmott et al. (2015) analysed data collected by the ATOM system over 16 months (December 2011 to March 2013) at two turbines: one in Delaware (US) and one off the coast of North Carolina (US)....Read more Willmott et al. (2015) analysed data collected by the ATOM system over 16 months (December 2011 to March 2013) at two turbines: one in Delaware (US) and one off the coast of North Carolina (US). Thermographic, ultrasound acoustic, and audio acoustic data were collected and used to evaluate system performance. Willmott et al. (2014) designed and deployed the ATOM system off the coast of North Carolina (US). Seabird observations with the system were compared with those expected. Read less |
Willmott et al. 2015, Willmott and Forcey 2014 |
Monitoring | OffshoreOperation, Planning | Turbine CollisionBirds, Bats | Biodiversity Research Institute Aerofauna Collision Avoidance Monitoring System (ACAMS) | The Aerofauna Collision Avoidance Monitoring System (ACAMS) aims to use two stereo-optic high definition cameras to determine the three dimensional coordinates of flying birds in the rotor swept area of a wind turbine. A near-infrared component is under development for nighttime usage....Read more The Aerofauna Collision Avoidance Monitoring System (ACAMS) aims to use two stereo-optic high definition cameras to determine the three dimensional coordinates of flying birds in the rotor swept area of a wind turbine. A near-infrared component is under development for nighttime usage. The system consists of two visual cameras and two thermal cameras in addition to software which masks stationary image components with the goal of reducing data bandwidth. Read less |
Cameras installed in the vicinity of a turbine or mounted on the nacelle |
Small-Scale Field Study
Adams et al. (2017) installed ACAMS at two turbines in Maine (US) between September and December 2015 as part of a 7 phase research initiative to improve the 3-D tracking capacity of the technology. |
Adams et al. 2017 |
Monitoring | OffshorePlanning, Operation, Construction | Cumulative Effects, Displacement, Habitat AlterationMarine Mammals, Fish, Marine Reptiles, Ecosystem Processes, Habitat, Hydrodynamics | University of New Hampshire Atlantic Deepwater Ecosystem Observatory Network | The Atlantic Deepwater Ecosystem Observatory Network (ADEON) is an observation network which aims to generate long-term measurements of natural and human factors active in the U.S. Mid- and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf to better understand the marine soundscape....Read more The Atlantic Deepwater Ecosystem Observatory Network (ADEON) is an observation network which aims to generate long-term measurements of natural and human factors active in the U.S. Mid- and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf to better understand the marine soundscape. The network collects data with space-based remote sensing, hydrographic sensors, and mobile platforms which are then stored on a data management system and made available to the public. Read less |
Data collected throughout the U.S. Mid- and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf using mobile platforms and remote sensing |
Large-Scale Field Study
Popper et al. (2022) identified seven research priority areas relating to offshore wind development in the United States. ADEON is identified as an existing source of monitoring data to build upon. ...Read morePopper et al. (2022) identified seven research priority areas relating to offshore wind development in the United States. ADEON is identified as an existing source of monitoring data to build upon. Miksis-Olds et al. (2021) compared backscatter relating to fish and zooplankton observed from three nodes of ADEON which contain multi-frequency echosounder systems. Data from these sites was collected from November 2017 to December 2020 and analyzed for baseline ecosystem patterns. Miksis-Olds et al. (2018) detail the deployment, calibration, and use recommendations for ADEON. Experimental procedures relating to mobile platform data collection are described as well. Read less |
Popper et al. 2022, Miksis-Olds et al. 2021, Miksis-Olds et al. 2018 |
Monitoring | Offshore, Land-basedOperation | Turbine CollisionBirds, Bats | EMPEKO S.A. B-finder | The B-finder system aims to detect fatal collisions between birds or bats and wind turbines. A B-finder system is composed of three layers of sensors (thermal cameras) and software which detects the fall of dead or injured animals and reports the location and time of the collision. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Computing unit inside the turbine tower, three levels of sensors. Sensors are composed of 4-12 thermal cameras placed at three levels on turbine tower. Video cameras, LiDAR sensors and a combination of sensor technology series are available. |
Small-Scale Field Study
Lagerveld et al. (2020) evaluated various technologies developed to detect bird and bat collisions with wind turbines. ...Read moreLagerveld et al. (2020) evaluated various technologies developed to detect bird and bat collisions with wind turbines. Przybycin et al. (2019) evaluates the first prototypes of B-Finder. Freshly dead birds and plastic objects were dropped with drones or rockets. B-Finder achieved 95% efficiency at distances from 50-100m. Tests were conducted in western Poland from November 1027 - November 2019. Read less |
Lagerveld et al. 2020, Przybycin et al. 2019 |
Mitigation, Monitoring | Land-based, OffshoreOperation | Turbine CollisionBats | NRG Systems Bat Deterrent System | NRG Systems' Bat Deterrent System is made up of multiple Bat Deterrent Units (BDU) that emit an ultrasonic acoustic field in the same range as bats’ natural calling frequencies. Each BDU is composed of six individual, solid state ‘speakers’ that create a ‘cone’ of ultrasonic noise....Read more NRG Systems' Bat Deterrent System is made up of multiple Bat Deterrent Units (BDU) that emit an ultrasonic acoustic field in the same range as bats’ natural calling frequencies. Each BDU is composed of six individual, solid state ‘speakers’ that create a ‘cone’ of ultrasonic noise. To accomplish full coverage of the rotor swept zone, multiple BDU are mounted on the nacelle, projecting ultrasound outward. Read less |
Mounted on the nacelle and/or tower |
Large-Scale Field Study
Good et al. (2022) tested the effectiveness of curtailment combined with NRG Systems' Bat Deterrent System to reduce bat fatalities at the Pilot Hill Wind and Kelly Creek Wind Farms in Illinois (US) during fall migration (between 1 August and 15 October in 2018). ...Read moreGood et al. (2022) tested the effectiveness of curtailment combined with NRG Systems' Bat Deterrent System to reduce bat fatalities at the Pilot Hill Wind and Kelly Creek Wind Farms in Illinois (US) during fall migration (between 1 August and 15 October in 2018). Weaver et al. (2020) quantified bat fatalities at the Los Vientos III, IV, and V wind energy facilities in Texas (US) from 31 July through 30 October in 2017 and 2018, and assessed deterrent effectiveness using generalized linear mixed models. Read less |
Good et al. 2022, Weaver et al. 2020 |
Monitoring | Land-basedOperation | Turbine CollisionBats | EcoObs GmbH Batcorder | The Batcorder aims to detect and record bat calls for bat monitoring and data collection. A microphone disk inserted directly into the turbine nacelle aims to collect bat call data and distinguish bat calls from other sound sources....Read more The Batcorder aims to detect and record bat calls for bat monitoring and data collection. A microphone disk inserted directly into the turbine nacelle aims to collect bat call data and distinguish bat calls from other sound sources. If the Batcorder system detects a bat call, the system is designed to autonomously record it. Read less |
Microphone mounted in the nacelle |
Large-Scale Field Study
There is no publicly available literature documenting this technology's testing and validation history. |
No available documents. |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction | NoiseMarine Mammals, Fish, Marine Reptiles | Weyres Offshore Big Bubble Curtain | The Weyres Big Bubble Curtain aims to reduce the noise produced by pile driving in offshore wind turbine installation. The bubble curtain consists of alternating layers of water collars with bubble emitters, composite sound absorption materials, and steel plating. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Bubble curtain applied around the monopile during pile driving and removed after turbine construction is complete. |
Large-Scale Field Study
Bellman et al....Read more Bellman et al. (2020) determined the noise reductions achieved by three commercially available pile driving noise mitigation methods through a cross-project analysis of 21 project reports produced by companies involved in offshore construction in the North Sea and Baltic Sea between 2012 and 2019. Dähne et al. (2017) analysed the effects of construction of the DanTysk offshore wind farm (Germany) on harbour porpoises from February to December of 2013 through acoustic monitoring of pile driving noise and harbour porpoise echolocation. Noise reduction was studied for the application of two types of bubble curtains. Read less |
Bellmann et al. 2020, Dähne et al. 2017 |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction, Operation | Habitat AlterationFish, Ecosystem Processes, Habitat, Invertebrates | Ecocean, Perpignan University Biohut® | Biohuts aim to provide artificial habitat and support reef development on floating offshore wind turbines by acting as a shelter and nursery area. Biohuts are composed of recyclable and recycled steel cages placed in clusters and filled with rocks or oyster shells. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Cages placed in clusters on turbine foundation |
Large-Scale Field Study
Mercader et al. (2019) conducted tank experiments using Biohuts as artificial habitat to observe the relationship between juvenile survival rate and artificial habitat. ...Read moreMercader et al. (2019) conducted tank experiments using Biohuts as artificial habitat to observe the relationship between juvenile survival rate and artificial habitat. Bouchoucha et al. (2016) observed the effects of Biohut implementation on Diplodis species in marinas on the French Mediterranean coast between April and August 2013 and 2014. Mercader et al. (2017) evaluated the ecosystem effects of 107 Biohuts installed at a large commercial port in the Northern Mediterranean between June and September 2014. Read less |
Mercader 2019, Bouchoucha 2016, Mercader et al. 2017 |
Mitigation | Land-based, OffshoreOperation | Turbine CollisionBats | UMass Amherst, Texas A & M Biomimetic Ultrasonic Whistle | The biomimetic ultrasonic whistle borrows elements of bat and toad larynx geometry in order to produce ultrasonic sound with the intent of deterring bats from the rotor swept zone of an operation turbine....Read more The biomimetic ultrasonic whistle borrows elements of bat and toad larynx geometry in order to produce ultrasonic sound with the intent of deterring bats from the rotor swept zone of an operation turbine. The device produces ultrasonic sound passively using the wind flow over turbine blades in a range appropriate for bat deterrence. Read less |
Whistles installed at multiple locations on turbine blades, potential for placement in vortex generators |
Laboratory
Sievert et al. (2021) developed and tested the biomimetic whistle. The efficacy of the whistle was tested with Mexican free tailed bats and tri-colored bats in a laboratory setting. |
Sievert et al. 2021 |
Monitoring, Mitigation | Land-based, OffshoreOperation, Planning | Turbine CollisionBirds | Bioseco Bioseco (BPS) Bird Protection System | The system aims to monitor bird activity in real-time around wind turbines and reduce collisions risk with the use of smart deterrent system or turbine stop. The system is composed of independent detection and deterrence modules....Read more The system aims to monitor bird activity in real-time around wind turbines and reduce collisions risk with the use of smart deterrent system or turbine stop. The system is composed of independent detection and deterrence modules. Through stereovision, the system is able to estimate the bird distance, altitude and flight trajectory. Furthermore, the system is able to classify birds size (smaller/larger) and activate the deterrence or turbine stopping on selected parameters of distance, size and altitude. Bird detection efficiency at higher distances is achieved by the use of 4K cameras and advanced optics Read less |
Depending on the system version, between 6-8 detection modules are mounted on turbine towers and computing system with detection software installed inside the turbine tower or power substation |
Gradolewski et al. (2021) developed and tested a detection and deterrence system which drew on technologies from previous works (strobing light, sound-based deterrence, artificial intelligence tracking)....Read more Gradolewski et al. (2021) developed and tested a detection and deterrence system which drew on technologies from previous works (strobing light, sound-based deterrence, artificial intelligence tracking). The system was tested in northern Poland on a land-based wind turbine between May and July of 2020. Validation tests with a fixed-wing drone equipped with GPS and verifying observations by ornithologists have been used to determine the detection efficiency Read less |
Gradolwski et al. 2021 |
Monitoring, Mitigation | Land-basedOperation, Planning | Turbine CollisionBirds | ZSW BirdRecorder | BirdRecorder is a bird detection system which aims to use artificial intelligence to identify birds at risk of collision with wind turbine blades. The system consists of a wide angle high definition camera and artificial intelligence software. This technology is In Development. |
Cameras placed in the vicinity of wind turbines |
Small-Scale Field Study
Streiffeler & Bruns (2021) discussed the development of anti-collision systems which intend to reduce the frequency of bird collisions with wind turbines. BirdRecorder evaluation is ongoing at a wind farm in Schwäbische, Germany. |
KNE (Kompetenzzentrum Naturschutz und Energiewende) 2021 |
Monitoring | Land-based, OffshoreOperation, Planning | Turbine Collision, DisplacementBirds, Bats | Swiss Birdradar Solution AG BirdScan MR1 | BirdScan MR1 is a pulsed, vertical-looking radar system designed for long-term monitoring of birds and bats in a localized area. The system is composed of a rotating horn antenna and a conventional ship radar receiver....Read more BirdScan MR1 is a pulsed, vertical-looking radar system designed for long-term monitoring of birds and bats in a localized area. The system is composed of a rotating horn antenna and a conventional ship radar receiver. The system aims to detect bird height, wing flapping pattern, flight direction, and flight speed. Read less |
Radar system in the vicinity of the wind turbine, consists of transmitter/receiver unit and computation unit. |
Small-Scale Field Study
Nilsson et al. (2018) compared radar systems aimed at bird tracking in southern Sweden from September to November of 2015. Migration intensity, flight direction, and flight speed were evaluated. ...Read moreNilsson et al. (2018) compared radar systems aimed at bird tracking in southern Sweden from September to November of 2015. Migration intensity, flight direction, and flight speed were evaluated. Hill et al. (2014) reviewed the various bird detection technologies utilized for bird monitoring at the offshore wind farm alpha ventus in Germany. Neumann et al. (2009) developed the a fixed pencil beam radar system in order to quantify the migration intensity of birds. The system was developed from ship and military radar systems modified to have greater range and distinguish between avian and non-avian echo signatures Read less |
Nilsson et al. 2018, Hill et al. 2014, Neumann et al. 2009 |
Monitoring | Land-based, OffshoreOperation, Planning | Turbine CollisionBirds | Swiss Birdradar Solution AG BirdScan MS1 | The BirdRadar MS1 system aims to detect medium to large birds in the vicinity of a wind turbine to monitor bird activity and potentially prevent collisions. The system uses a fixed X-band radar with a detection range of up to 1500m depending on the target size....Read more The BirdRadar MS1 system aims to detect medium to large birds in the vicinity of a wind turbine to monitor bird activity and potentially prevent collisions. The system uses a fixed X-band radar with a detection range of up to 1500m depending on the target size. Data collection includes Migration Traffic Rate and bird classification for large birds. Read less |
Radar units placed throughout wind farm with nearby controller and communications units |
Small-Scale Field Study
Zehtindjiev et al. (2019) discuss the findings of a year-long study (2018) of the Integrated System for Protection of Birds in Kaliakra, Bulgaria....Read more Zehtindjiev et al. (2019) discuss the findings of a year-long study (2018) of the Integrated System for Protection of Birds in Kaliakra, Bulgaria. The study area included 114 wind turbines and bird activity was monitored using three different radar systems: Bird Scan MS1, Deltatrack Radar System, and Radar System Robin. Michev et al. (2017) observed nocturnal bird migration and anthropogenic bird mortality in Northeast Bulgaria in September, 2014 using the MS1 BirdScan radar system. Read less |
Zehtindjiev and Whitfield 2019, Michev et al. 2017 |
Monitoring | Offshore, Land-basedOperation, Planning | Turbine Collision, DisplacementBirds, Bats | STRIX Environment and Innovation Birdtrack radar | The Birdtrack radar system aims to aid in mitigating bird-turbine collisions through selective curtailment and in bird migration monitoring. The system intends to classify and extract bird tracks using radar and software which identifies bird tracks from radar data. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Radar are placed in the vicinity of wind turbines, data is analysed with Birdtracker software |
Large-Scale Field Study
Skov et al. (2009) evaluated bird migration levels at the Horns Rev II Offshore Wind Farm, the Horns Rev 1 Transformer Station, and Blåvands Huk from September to November of 2008 using four radar technologies. Birdtracker software was used for flight track identification....Read more Skov et al. (2009) evaluated bird migration levels at the Horns Rev II Offshore Wind Farm, the Horns Rev 1 Transformer Station, and Blåvands Huk from September to November of 2008 using four radar technologies. Birdtracker software was used for flight track identification. Radar data and analysis was compared to visual observations made during the same period. Read less |
Skov et al. 2009 |
Monitoring | Offshore, Land-basedOperation | Turbine CollisionBirds | Bürgerwindpark Hohenlohe GmbH BirdVision | BirdVision is a camera system with accompanying machine learning software that aims to detect incoming birds and then stop the blades of the associated wind turbine before the bird enters the rotor swept area....Read more BirdVision is a camera system with accompanying machine learning software that aims to detect incoming birds and then stop the blades of the associated wind turbine before the bird enters the rotor swept area. Artificial intelligence is used to identify birds and flight paths which may lead to a collision. Read less |
Cameras mounted between 6-30m on base of turbine tower, image processing server inside tower |
Small-Scale Field Study
There is no publicly available literature documenting this technology's testing and validation history. |
No available documents. |
Monitoring | OffshoreConstruction | NoiseMarine Mammals | SMRU Consulting Coastal Acoustic Buoy for Offshore Wind (CABOW) | The Coastal Acoustic Buoy for Offshore Wind system intends to act as real time acoustic monitoring for the detection of whales during offshore wind turbine construction....Read more The Coastal Acoustic Buoy for Offshore Wind system intends to act as real time acoustic monitoring for the detection of whales during offshore wind turbine construction. The system consists of microphones fixed to the seabed in addition to a base station which processes audio data using open source software Read less |
Microphones fixed to the seabed and surface buoys connected to a central anchor platform. |
Small-Scale Field Study
Palmer et al. (2021) undertook field testing and modeling for the Coastal Acoustic Buoy for Offshore Wind by using recorded right whale sounds and simulations to compare the efficacy of the COBOW system to single sensor and observation monitoring. |
Palmer et al. 2021 |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction, Operation | Habitat AlterationFish, Ecosystem Processes, Habitat | Witteven + Bos Cod hotel (Cotel) | A Cod Hotel is a cage-like structure attached to the foundation (typically jacket foundations) of an offshore wind turbine which intends to increase Atlantic cod biomass in an ecosystem by providing shelter and foraging area....Read more A Cod Hotel is a cage-like structure attached to the foundation (typically jacket foundations) of an offshore wind turbine which intends to increase Atlantic cod biomass in an ecosystem by providing shelter and foraging area. The Cod Hotel consists of a steel gabion basket containing perforated tubes and monitoring funnels. Read less |
Cod hotels fixed to offshore wind turbine foundation |
Small-Scale Field Study
Hermans et al. (2020) reviewed add-on designs for ecosystem support in offshore wind development. The report provides design drawings for the Cod Hotel. ...Read moreHermans et al. (2020) reviewed add-on designs for ecosystem support in offshore wind development. The report provides design drawings for the Cod Hotel. Degraer et al. (2020) discuss the effects of offshore wind farms on fish populations, particularly as they relate to the introduction of an artificial reef structure (turbine foundation). Read less |
Hermans et al. 2020, Degraer et al. 2020 |
Monitoring | OffshoreConstruction, Operation, Planning | Noise, Avoidance, Cumulative Effects, DisplacementMarine Mammals | Chelonia Limited CPOD / FPOD | CPODs and FPODs are automated passive acoustic monitoring instruments which aim to detect cetaceans by identifying the echo-locating click trains they produce. The instruments consist of a hydrophone, and ADC sampler (running at 1 million samples per second), and a real-time signal processor....Read more CPODs and FPODs are automated passive acoustic monitoring instruments which aim to detect cetaceans by identifying the echo-locating click trains they produce. The instruments consist of a hydrophone, and ADC sampler (running at 1 million samples per second), and a real-time signal processor. The C-POD has been replaced by the more advanced F-POD Read less |
CPODs and FPODs are anchored to the seafloor or surface and dispersed throughout wind farm (range: 400 m - 1500 m depending on species). Data is stored on an SD card and is processed ashore with automated analysis software. |
Large-Scale Field Study
Benhemma-Le Gall et al. (2021) observed the effects of construction on harbor porpoise occurrence at two offshore wind farms in Scotland throughout 2017 to 2019 ....Read more Benhemma-Le Gall et al. (2021) observed the effects of construction on harbor porpoise occurrence at two offshore wind farms in Scotland throughout 2017 to 2019 . Harbor porpoise activity was monitored using passive acoustic monitoring (C-PODs) and calibrated noise recorders (SoundTraps and SM2Ms). Jacobson et al. (2017) estimated the effective harbor porpoise detection area of C-POD passive acoustic monitoring sensors. Population estimates from passive acoustic sensor detection were compared against estimations made with visual observations and a Bayesian model. Redden et al. (2015) evaluated the performance of different hydrophone technologies by surveying marine mammals in Nova Scotia, Canada from December 2013 to June 2014. Read less |
Benhemma-Le Gall et al. 2021, Jacobson et al. 2017, Redden and Porskamp 2015 |
Monitoring | OffshorePlanning, Construction, Operation, Decommissioning | Noise, Habitat Alteration, DisplacementMarine Mammals, Fish | Open Ocean Robotics Data Xplorer | Data Xplorer is a 11.66 ft solar powered unmanned USV. It is equipped with a 360° camera feed, satellite/cellular/radio communications, real-time encrypted data transmission, and can be autonomous or remotely operated. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Free moving solar powered USV |
Laboratory
Data Xplorer was one of the marine mammal monitoring technology tested by Greentown Labs and Vineyard Wind during the Offshore Wind Challenge. Over the course of 6 months Open Ocean Robotics ran six ocean trials, totaling 10 days on the water. |
No available documents. |
Mitigation | Land-basedOperation | Turbine CollisionBats | USGS Dim UV Light | Dim, flickering UV light was tested as a method of deterring bats from wind turbines. UV light arrays were mounted on turbines and thermal imaging was used to detect night flying animals. This technology is In Development. |
UV light array mounted on turbine tower |
Small-Scale Field Study
Cryan et al. (2021) applied UV light arrays to a wind turbine in Boulder, Colorado (US) between August 2018 and October 2019 and observed night flying animal behavior using thermal imagery. ...Read moreCryan et al. (2021) applied UV light arrays to a wind turbine in Boulder, Colorado (US) between August 2018 and October 2019 and observed night flying animal behavior using thermal imagery. Gorresen et al. (2015) illuminated trees with UV in the habitat area of the Hawaiian hoary bat in Hawaii (US) between September of 2009 and October of 2010 in order to observe the effect of the light on bat behavior. Read less |
Cryan et al. 2021, Gorresen et al. 2015 |
Monitoring, Mitigation | Land-based, OffshoreOperation | Turbine CollisionBats | DTBird DTBat | The DTBat system aims to detect bats in real time and automatically stop and restart turbine operations in response to bat activity and/or environmental conditions. Triggers are adjustable to target species....Read more The DTBat system aims to detect bats in real time and automatically stop and restart turbine operations in response to bat activity and/or environmental conditions. Triggers are adjustable to target species. It can automatically stops and restarts turbine operations in response to bat activity and/or environmental conditions. Read less |
Ultrasound bat detectors mounted on turbine tower and/or nacelle for Onshore and Offshore projects |
Large-Scale Field Study
Salkanovic et al. (2020) discusses how artificial intelligence can be used with monitoring technology to reduce wildlife collisions at wind farms in California and Denmark. ...Read moreSalkanovic et al. (2020) discusses how artificial intelligence can be used with monitoring technology to reduce wildlife collisions at wind farms in California and Denmark. Hanagasioglu et al. (2015) data collected using the DTBird and DTBat systems at the Calandawind wind turbine in Switzerland between June 2014 and October 2014. Data collected were compared to data collected by bird and bat specialists. Flowers (2015) investigated how different technologies including DTbat can integrated into a multi-sensor system to detect avian and bat collisions with turbines through field testing in New Mexico in December of 2013 ( North American Wind Research and Training Center) and in Colorado in October of 2014 (National Renewable Energy Laboratory Wind Technology Center). Read less |
Hanagasioglu et al. 2015, Salkanovic et al. 2020, Flowers 2015 |
Monitoring, Mitigation | Land-based, OffshoreOperation | Turbine CollisionBirds | DTBird DTBird | The DTBird system aims to detect birds and deter them from flying into the rotor-swept zone of an operational wind turbine. It is comprised of multiple components (high definition or thermal imaging cameras and a deterrence module), and is mounted on the turbine tower....Read more The DTBird system aims to detect birds and deter them from flying into the rotor-swept zone of an operational wind turbine. It is comprised of multiple components (high definition or thermal imaging cameras and a deterrence module), and is mounted on the turbine tower. Upon detection, the system emits warning sounds and/or stops the turbine. Read less |
Cameras for day and night monitoring can be installed on the tower of the wind turbines or in the transition piece for Offshore projects. When Collision Avoidance module is contracted speakers are placed on the wind turbine tower and/or on the nacelle. |
Large-Scale Field Study
Nicholls, A.; Barker, M.; Armitage, M.; Votier, S. (2022). Review of seabird monitoring technologies for offshore wind farms. Report by RPS group. Report for Offshore Renewables Joint Industry Programme (ORJIP). ...Read moreNicholls, A.; Barker, M.; Armitage, M.; Votier, S. (2022). Review of seabird monitoring technologies for offshore wind farms. Report by RPS group. Report for Offshore Renewables Joint Industry Programme (ORJIP). Terrill et al. (2018) used fixed-wing UAVs to evaluate the performance of the DTBird detection and deterrent-triggering systems at the Manzana Wind Power Project located in Kern County, California (US) between December 2016 and August 2017. Litsgård et al. (2016) monitored bird movement to evaluate the effectiveness of the DTBird system on a wind turbine near Lundsbrunn, Sweden from July to September 2015. Hanagasioglu et al. (2015) data collected using the DTBird and DTBat systems at the Calandawind wind turbine in Switzerland between June 2014 and October 2014. Data collected were compared to data collected by bird and bat specialists. May et al. (2012) evaluated the capability of the DTBird system in detecting birds near the rotor swept area of a wind turbine and in studying the flight patterns of birds close to turbines in Norway. Data were collected with the DTBird system between March and September of 2012 at the Smøla wind-power plant in Norway. Read less |
Nicholls et al. 2022, Terrill et al. 2018, Litsgård et al. 2016, Hanagasioglu et al. 2015, May et al. 2012 |
Monitoring, Mitigation | Land-basedOperation | Turbine CollisionBirds | Laufer Wind Eagle Take Minimization System | The Eagle Take Minimization System aims to detect eagles at risk of flying into the rotor-swept zone of an operational wind turbine at a far enough distance to stop the relevant turbines before collision....Read more The Eagle Take Minimization System aims to detect eagles at risk of flying into the rotor-swept zone of an operational wind turbine at a far enough distance to stop the relevant turbines before collision. The system consists of X-band radar, PZT visible cameras and a Central Controller computer. Read less |
Cameras and radars placed throughout wind farm with overlapping fields of view. |
Laboratory
Petr et al. (2018) discussed the development of the Eagle Take Minimization System. Prototype testing was conducted in Bedford, New Hampshire (US) using drones to simulate golden eagle flight. |
Petr et al. 2018 |
Mitigation, Monitoring | Land-based, OffshoreOperation | Turbine CollisionBats | Natural Power EchoSense | EchoSense technology aims to use SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) data, meteorological data, and acoustic data to curtail wind turbines when bats are present within the swept area of the turbine blades....Read more EchoSense technology aims to use SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) data, meteorological data, and acoustic data to curtail wind turbines when bats are present within the swept area of the turbine blades. Additional factors, such as wind speed and minimum temperature, can influence EchoSense automated curtailment decisions established by a predetermined set of rules. EchoSense was formerly known as Detection and Active Response Curtailment (DARC). Read less |
Mounted on the nacelle |
Large-Scale Field Study
Natural Power conducted a validation study at Alliant Energy’s 170 MW English Farms wind power plant in Iowa (US) that compared bat fatalities and energy production at 69 wind turbines under three scenarios (minimal curtailment, blanket curtailment, and EchoSense curtailment) between August and...Read more Natural Power conducted a validation study at Alliant Energy’s 170 MW English Farms wind power plant in Iowa (US) that compared bat fatalities and energy production at 69 wind turbines under three scenarios (minimal curtailment, blanket curtailment, and EchoSense curtailment) between August and October 2020. Read less |
No available documents. |
Monitoring | Land-basedPlanning, Operation | Attraction, Avoidance, Displacement, Turbine CollisionBirds, Bats | EchoTrack Technology EchoTrack | The EchoTrack Radar–Acoustic Surveillance System is used for observing and conserving airborne wildlife populations. EchoTrack integrates radar and acoustic technologies with a unique algorithm in order to identity animals and isolate flight paths. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Free standing mobile field labs |
Large-Scale Field Study
Corbeau et al. (2021) assessed the use of EchoTrack for tracking bird activity at onshore wind farms in France. Becker et al. (2019) used EchoTrack to observe bird activity at a proposed wind farm on the Cape west coast of South African. ...Read moreCorbeau et al. (2021) assessed the use of EchoTrack for tracking bird activity at onshore wind farms in France. Becker et al. (2019) used EchoTrack to observe bird activity at a proposed wind farm on the Cape west coast of South African. Jenkins et al. (2018) utilized EchoTrack radar and software to observe great white pelican activity at a proposed wind facility on the Cape west coast of South Africa. Read less |
Corbeau et al. 2021, Becker et al. 2020, Jenkins et al. 2018 |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction, Operation | Habitat AlterationFish, Ecosystem Processes, Habitat, Invertebrates | ECOncrete ECOncrete ECO Mats® | ECO Mats aim to reduce the habitat impacts of underwater cables (like those used in offshore wind operations) by facilitating biogenic buildup on mats of interlocking ECOncrete material covering such cables....Read more ECO Mats aim to reduce the habitat impacts of underwater cables (like those used in offshore wind operations) by facilitating biogenic buildup on mats of interlocking ECOncrete material covering such cables. The concrete mix design consists of ECOncrete® Admix coupled with complex surface textures with the goal of encouraging colonization and attachment by marine epifauna. Read less |
The ECOncrete ACBMs can be used in place of traditional ACBMs, which are typically placed on top of underwater cables or in areas where scour protection is required |
Small-Scale Field Study
Sella et al. (2021) evaluated the structural and biological efficacy of the ECO Mat over two years from April 2017 to April 2019 in Florida (US). ...Read moreSella et al. (2021) evaluated the structural and biological efficacy of the ECO Mat over two years from April 2017 to April 2019 in Florida (US). Cinti (2021) compared the fish assemblage change associated with the placement of ECO Mat material and control material in Port Everglades, Florida (US). Read less |
Sella et al. 2021, Cinti 2020 |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction, Operation | Habitat AlterationHabitat | ECOncrete ECOncrete Wind Turbine Scour Protection Unit | ECOncrete® Wind Turbine Scour Protection Units are structural, interlocking, ecological concrete units gravity fed from a barge which intend to replace/complement rock armor scour protection around the base of offshore wind turbines....Read more ECOncrete® Wind Turbine Scour Protection Units are structural, interlocking, ecological concrete units gravity fed from a barge which intend to replace/complement rock armor scour protection around the base of offshore wind turbines. The ecological design of the units and interstitial spaces between them aims to create an environment that mimics optimal marine habitats, while providing the structural functionality required of armoring for scour protection. Read less |
Placed around the base of offshore wind turbines |
Small-Scale Field Study
These units are still in development and will be piloted for Northeast offshore infrastructure in spring 2022. |
No available documents. |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction | NoiseMarine Mammals, Fish, Marine Reptiles | Electronic and Geophysical Services EGS Bubble Curtain | The EGS Bubble Curtain aims to reduce the propagation of sound waves during pile driving activities. The bubble curtain consists of a hose with 3 mm holes every 0.3-0.4 m anchored to the sea bottom around the pile-driving operation....Read more The EGS Bubble Curtain aims to reduce the propagation of sound waves during pile driving activities. The bubble curtain consists of a hose with 3 mm holes every 0.3-0.4 m anchored to the sea bottom around the pile-driving operation. Bubbles produced disrupt the propagation of sound from the construction activities. Read less |
Hose anchored to the sea bottom in a circle surrounding the monopile during pile driving |
Large-Scale Field Study
Nehls et al. (2007) compared the costs and efficacy of three methods of noise reduction in pile driving: bubble curtains, modifications to the pile hammer, and pile sleeves. Bubble curtain technologies compared design, diameter, air supply, water depth, and noise reduction....Read more Nehls et al. (2007) compared the costs and efficacy of three methods of noise reduction in pile driving: bubble curtains, modifications to the pile hammer, and pile sleeves. Bubble curtain technologies compared design, diameter, air supply, water depth, and noise reduction. The EGS Bubble Curtain was larger than other bubble curtains, with comparable noise reduction. Würsig et al. (2000) developed a 25m radius bubble curtain using hose with 3mm holes every 0.3-0.4m through which air was emitted at 20m^3/minute. The sound reduction produced was evaluated for curtain application around a pile driving operation in Hong Kong in April 1996. Noise reductions ranging from 5 to 20 dB were observed, with the greatest reductions in the 1 - 6 kHz frequency range. Read less |
Nehls et al. 2007, Würsig et al. 2000 |
Monitoring | Land-basedOperation | Turbine CollisionBirds, Bats | U.S. Geological Survey and partners Evidence of Absence | Evidence of Absence is a software package that is used to address whether the number of fatalities (typically of a rare species or species of concern) at a wind power facility is below a given threshold and what search parameters are needed to give assurance that thresholds were not exceeded. This technology is Open-Source Available. |
Software |
Large-Scale Field Study
Dalthorp and Huso (2015) rigorously tested Evidence of Absence against several hypothetical scenarios. They examined the accuracy and precision of triggers and their sensitivity to input parameters. |
Dalthorp and Huso 2015 |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction | NoiseMarine Mammals, Fish, Marine Reptiles | Menck Fire-Hose System | The Menck fire-hose system aims to reduce the noise generated by pile driving through use of a two-layer curtain made of inflated, vertically arranged fire-hoses. Sound attenuation occurs due to the physical disruption to sound wave propagation created by the oscillating bubbles. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Fire-hose system applied around the monopile during construction and removed after pile driving is complete. The system is inflated once applied to the monopile. |
Large-Scale Field Study
Wilke et al. (2012) evaluated various techniques for the reduction of noise in offshore wind turbine pile driving in a field study in Lübeck Bay, Germany. |
Wilke et al. 2012 |
Monitoring | OffshorePlanning, Construction, Operation, Decommissioning | Turbine Collision, Attraction, AvoidanceBirds, Bats, Marine Mammals, Fish | Akrocean Fly'rsea | Fly'rsea is a floating RaDAR system powered by clean energy (wave and solar) with 365/7 supervision at an onshore control center. The system is designed for environmental assessment of a range of species and environmental parameters. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Independent buoys on offshore wind farms |
Pilot Field Study
Northeastern University (2019) discusses Fly'rsea and the challenges with floating radars for offshore wind farms. |
Northeastern University 2019 |
Monitoring | Land-basedOperation | Turbine CollisionBirds, Bats | U.S. Geological Survey and partners GenEst | GenEst is a software package used to estimate the probability of detecting a bird or bat killed at a wind facility, and then to combine the probability of detection with the observed count of carcasses to ultimately estimate total mortality. This technology is Open-Source Available. |
Software |
Large-Scale Field Study
Rabie et al. (2021) compared the performance of GenEst to the Huso and Shoenfeld estimators by simulating mortality and search conditions that might occur in in the field and evaluating each estimator’s ability to accurately estimate a known carcass count. |
Rabie et al. 2021 |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction | NoiseMarine Mammals, Fish, Marine Reptiles | OffNoise - Solutions Hydro-Sound-Damper System | The Hydro Sound Damper System intends to reduce the noise produced during pile driving in offshore wind turbine installation....Read more The Hydro Sound Damper System intends to reduce the noise produced during pile driving in offshore wind turbine installation. It consists of layers of netting containing air filled envelopes, rubber, and polyethylene foam elements that surround the monopile and physically disrupt sound waves from pile driving. Read less |
Hydro Sound Dampener installed around the monopile during pile driving. Netting is initially fixed to the sea bottom and then stretched to the surface due to buoyancy forces. |
Large-Scale Field Study
Elmer (2018): With a Hydro Sound Damper (HSD) in place, sound was measured at a distance of 6m from the pile, 4m above ground, to record sound levels during pile driving in the German Baltic Sea....Read more Elmer (2018): With a Hydro Sound Damper (HSD) in place, sound was measured at a distance of 6m from the pile, 4m above ground, to record sound levels during pile driving in the German Baltic Sea. Results (a 23dB reduction in noise level) indicated 99.5% of the whole sound energy was damped out by the HSD net. Elmer et al. (2014) evaluated the noise reduction capacity of the Hydro Sound Dampener during the installation of offshore wind turbines at several locations including the London Array wind farm (Great Britain) and the Amrumbank-West wind farm (Germany) in the North Sea. Read less |
Elmer 2018, Elmer and Savery 2014 |
Monitoring | Land-based, OffshoreOperation | Turbine CollisionBirds, Bats | Norwegian Institute for Nature Research ID-Stat | ID-Stat is a monitoring system which aims to use microphones placed within turbine blades to record bird or bat collisions. The system consists of microphones and software which automatically records detected collisions. This technology is In Development. |
Microphones installed within turbine blades and accompanying software |
Small-Scale Field Study
Delprat et al. (2011) presented the concept of the ID stat system at the Conference on Wind energy and Wildlife impacts in Norway in May 2011. A small scale study of the technology was scheduled for March 2012 at an onshore wind turbine. ...Read moreDelprat et al. (2011) presented the concept of the ID stat system at the Conference on Wind energy and Wildlife impacts in Norway in May 2011. A small scale study of the technology was scheduled for March 2012 at an onshore wind turbine. Delprat & Alcuri (2011) presented at the Conference on Wind Energy and Wildlife Impacts on the 2nd-5th of May 2011, in Trondheim, Norway. Read less |
Collier et al. 2011, Delprat and Alcuri 2011 |
Monitoring, Mitigation | Land-basedOperation | Turbine CollisionBirds | IdentiFlight International IdentiFlight | IdentiFlight aims to combine optical systems with machine vision and AI software to monitor and minimize bird collisions at wind turbines. The IdentiFlight towers operate as an autonomous system with overlapping aerial coverage for detailed viewing....Read more IdentiFlight aims to combine optical systems with machine vision and AI software to monitor and minimize bird collisions at wind turbines. The IdentiFlight towers operate as an autonomous system with overlapping aerial coverage for detailed viewing. Proprietary software and neural network technologies process the images to determine 3D position, velocity, trajectory, and protected species of interest. Read less |
Autonomous towers in vicinity of wind turbine |
Large-Scale Field Study
Duerr et al. (2023) the IdentiFlight systems ability to identify differnt species of bird at Manzana Wind project, in Kern County, California (US) from 21 June 2018 to 20 June 2019. ...Read moreDuerr et al. (2023) the IdentiFlight systems ability to identify differnt species of bird at Manzana Wind project, in Kern County, California (US) from 21 June 2018 to 20 June 2019. Aschwanden et al. (2020) monitored bird movements to assess the effectiveness of the IdentiFlight system at the Wind Energy Research Cluster South in Stötten, Germany between April and May 2020. McClure et al. (2018) used human observation to test and compare the ability of IdentiFlight to detect, classify, and track birds at the Top of the World wind farm in Wyoming (US) from August to September 2016. Rogers (2022) evaluated the efficacy of the Identiflight Avian Detection System at the Castle Hill Wind Farm in Tasmania from August 2020 to February 2022. Read less |
Duerr et al. 2023, Aschwanden and Liechti 2020, McClure et al. 2018, Rogers 2022 |
Monitoring | Land-based, OffshorePlanning, Operation | Attraction, Avoidance, Displacement, Turbine CollisionBats | PNNL Injectable RF Bat Tags | The injectible radio-frequency Bat Tags come in three different designs and aim to use a 3D tracking algorithm to track bat movement. The first design is intended for the endangered Myotis species and minimizes transmitter size and weight: 0.16 grams and 10-km detection range....Read more The injectible radio-frequency Bat Tags come in three different designs and aim to use a 3D tracking algorithm to track bat movement. The first design is intended for the endangered Myotis species and minimizes transmitter size and weight: 0.16 grams and 10-km detection range. The second design is intended for hoary, eastern red, and silver-haired bats and prioritizes service life while staying under 5% tag-burden guidelines: 0.4 grams and >20-km detection range. The third design is intended to study potential attraction of bats to wind turbines and fine-scale movements across one or more wind farms and prioritizes detection range while keeping a reasonable size and weight: 0.6 grams and >20-km detection range. Read less |
Transmitters attached to animals, receivers located in the vicinity of the turbine |
Pilot Field Study
Deng et al. (2021) designed a animal tracking transmitter with the goal of reducing weight and increasing transmission range. Drones were used to assess the effective range of the transmitter near Richland, Washington (US) in December 2021. ...Read moreDeng et al. (2021) designed a animal tracking transmitter with the goal of reducing weight and increasing transmission range. Drones were used to assess the effective range of the transmitter near Richland, Washington (US) in December 2021. Deng et al (2019) implemented three designs of animal tracking transmitters aimed at tracking bats for applications in wind energy. Lab scale testing and algorithm validation were undertaken in 2018. Read less |
Lu et al. 2021, Deng et al. 2021 |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction | NoiseMarine Mammals, Fish | IQIP Integrated Monopile Installer | The integrated monopile installer is a double-wall steel tube with a protected bubble curtain between the tube and driving pile. The system is placed over the pile and is effective along the entire length of the water column at the pile. Formally known as the Noise Mitigation Screen. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Wraps around pile during installation |
Large-Scale Field Study
Koschinski & Lüdemann (2020) discuss the first commercial application of the Integrated Monopile Installer in 2012 at the German OWF Riffgat in the North Sea. Since then the Integrated Monopile Installer has been used on over 450 piles. Noise reduction was decreased to a range of 13 to 16 dBSEL....Read more Koschinski & Lüdemann (2020) discuss the first commercial application of the Integrated Monopile Installer in 2012 at the German OWF Riffgat in the North Sea. Since then the Integrated Monopile Installer has been used on over 450 piles. Noise reduction was decreased to a range of 13 to 16 dBSEL. Rose et al. (2019) analyzed data collected during the construction of Gescha 1 & 2 from 2010 to 2016 to investigate the effects of different types of noise mitigation on harbour porpoises. Read less |
Koschinski and Lüdemann 2020, Rose et al. 2019 |
Monitoring | Land-based, OffshoreConstruction, Operation, Planning | Turbine Collision, Displacement, Attraction, AvoidanceBirds, Bats | Furuno radars, DHI (software) LAWR (Local Area Weather Radar) | LAWR is a limited range X-Band radar system commonly used for meteorological observations but which has been considered as a system for detecting birds and bats in the proximity of operational wind turbines. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Radar mounted in proximity of turbines, software to process imagery (BirdTrack, BirdWatch) |
Skov et al. (2009) utilized a LAWR system to collect data on the long-distance migration of waterbirds across Horns Rev. The monitoring system was deployed at an offshore wind farm in Denmark from September to November of 2008. |
Skov et al. 2009 |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction, Operation | Habitat AlterationHabitat, Fish, Ecosystem Processes | Reef Ball Foundation Layer Cake | Layer Cakes are concrete structures which aim to facilitate reef growth and provide shelter for benthic animals. The structures consist of tiered, cylindrical levels which provide alcoves and increased surface area to facilitate reef establishment. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Placed around the base of offshore wind turbines, typically in groupings |
Large-Scale Field Study
Hylkema et al. (2023) compared two types of artificial reefs in the Caribbean (2018) by examining fish assemblage, territorial behavior and grazing intensity between reef balls and layered cakes. ...Read moreHylkema et al. (2023) compared two types of artificial reefs in the Caribbean (2018) by examining fish assemblage, territorial behavior and grazing intensity between reef balls and layered cakes. Hylkema et al. (2020) compared three types of artificial reefs in the Caribbean (2018) by examining the early fish colonization rates between reef balls, layered cakes, and piles of local basaltic rocks. Read less |
Hylkema et al. 2023, Hylkema et al. 2020 |
Monitoring | Land-based, OffshoreOperation, Planning | Turbine CollisionBirds, Bats | DeTect Merlin Avian Radar System | The MERLIN Avian Radar System is designed to use horizontal and vertical radar to determine the flight path of birds and bats with the intent of capturing flight data. The radar system can be adjusted to remain within a user-assigned perimeter....Read more The MERLIN Avian Radar System is designed to use horizontal and vertical radar to determine the flight path of birds and bats with the intent of capturing flight data. The radar system can be adjusted to remain within a user-assigned perimeter. The system consists of radar hardware and bird tracking software for automatic registration of bird echos and for data collection during day and night. Read less |
Radar system located in the vicinity of the turbine or mounted vertically on tower |
Large-Scale Field Study
May et al. (2017) evaluated the detection ranges of the MERLIN Avian Radar by using an unmanned aerial vehicle to simulate various flight patterns and bird sizes. The study took place off the coast of Central Norway in August 2009. ...Read moreMay et al. (2017) evaluated the detection ranges of the MERLIN Avian Radar by using an unmanned aerial vehicle to simulate various flight patterns and bird sizes. The study took place off the coast of Central Norway in August 2009. Skov et al. (2016) utilized the MERLIN Avian Radar in a study of soaring migrants and their attraction to an offshore wind farm in Denmark during the autumn raptor migration in 2010 and 2011. Fijn et al. (2015) implemented the MERLIN Avian Radar system at the Dutch offshore wind farm Egmond aan Zee from June 2007 to May 2010 in order to study bird flight intensity in the rotor swept zone (25m-115m) over the North Sea. The Merlin system was used to observe fluxes as well as flight altitudes and paths. Krijgsveld et al. (2011) studied the collision risks and barrier effects of birds due to the Offshore Wind farm Egmond aan Zee in the Netherlands using the MERLIN Avian Radar System between April 2007 and June 2010. Read less |
Fijn et al. 2015, May et al. 2017, Skov et al. 2016, Krijgsveld et al. 2011 |
Monitoring | Land-based, OffshoreOperation, Planning | Turbine Collision, DisplacementBirds | DHI Group MUSE: Multi-Sensor bird detection | The Multi-Sensor bird detection system MUSE uses a combination of horizontal radar with infrared and visual cameras in order to detect and record flying birds in the proximity of a wind turbine....Read more The Multi-Sensor bird detection system MUSE uses a combination of horizontal radar with infrared and visual cameras in order to detect and record flying birds in the proximity of a wind turbine. The system is used by an offshore wind farms in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States to monitor bird interactions with wind turbines. Read less |
Horizontal radar and cameras located in the vicinity of wind turbines |
Small-Scale Field Study
Lagerveld et al. (2020) evaluated various technologies developed to detect bird and bat collisions with wind turbines. |
Lagerveld et al. 2020 |
Monitoring, Mitigation | OffshorePlanning, Construction, Operation, Decommissioning | Attraction, Avoidance, Lighting, Noise, Turbine Collision, Vessel Collision, VibrationBats, Birds, Fish, Habitat, Marine Mammals, Marine Reptiles | Mysticetus Mysticetus |
Mysticetus is a suite of tools designed to support real-time monitoring, mitigation, provide spatio-temporal analysis, and regulatory compliance for biological marine resources....Read more Mysticetus is a suite of tools designed to support real-time monitoring, mitigation, provide spatio-temporal analysis, and regulatory compliance for biological marine resources. Mysticetus provides a full lifecycle decision support tool that increases data collection efficiencies, automates data quality and control, and provides full, graphical situational awareness for protected species observers and managers. Originally developed to address potential impacts to marine resources related to oil and gas exploration, Mysticetus has evolved to include use cases specific to offshore wind siting, construction, and operation over the last six years for multiple offshore wind energy developers off the U.S. Atlantic coast. Read less |
On vessel, platform, or ROV/surface vehicle. |
Large-Scale Field Study
Smith et al. (2020) conducted a field comparison of real-time detections made by marine mammal observers using Mysticetus, a rotating infrared camera, and via passive acoustic monitoring offshore Atlantic Canada. |
Smith et al. 2020 |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction | NoiseMarine Mammals, Fish, Marine Reptiles | AdBm Technologies Noise Mitigation System | The AdBm Noise Mitigation System aims to reduce the noise produced by pile driving during offshore wind turbine installation. The system consists of Hemholtz resonators contained in a slatted system which unfolds around the monopile during deployment. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Noise Mitigation System surrounds the monopile during pile driving. The system is unfolded in a similar fashion to venetian blinds |
Large-Scale Field Study
Elzinga et al. (2019) tested the Noise Mitigation System at the Butendiek and Luchterduinen Offshore Wind Parks in the Netherlands in the fall of 2018. ...Read moreElzinga et al. (2019) tested the Noise Mitigation System at the Butendiek and Luchterduinen Offshore Wind Parks in the Netherlands in the fall of 2018. Wochner (2019) discussed the three approaches to reducing noise from pile driving: reducing at the source, breaking the transmissions path, and noise absorption. Read less |
Elzinga et al. 2019, Wochner 2019 |
Mitigation | Land-basedPlanning, Operation | Turbine CollisionBirds | NREL NREL-Stochastic Soaring Raptor Simulator | SSRS (Stochastic Soaring Raptor Simulator) is a generalizable, probabilistic, predictive model that estimates the potential for collisions between soaring raptors (particularly golden eagles, which rely heavily on updrafts to subsidize flight) to interact with operating wind turbines, without the...Read more SSRS (Stochastic Soaring Raptor Simulator) is a generalizable, probabilistic, predictive model that estimates the potential for collisions between soaring raptors (particularly golden eagles, which rely heavily on updrafts to subsidize flight) to interact with operating wind turbines, without the need for site-specific data collection. The model uses publicly available wind condition data and ground surface information, combined with energy-minimization principles to simulate thousands of eagles at turbine-scale resolution (50 m) and generate a soaring raptor density map. Model outputs may be used to inform pre-construction studies and siting decisions. Read less |
Open source modeling tool |
Laboratory
Sandhu et al. (2022) simulated golden eagle flight paths using an updraft field. Model results were validated with golden eagle telemetry data from a study location containing three wind power plants in Casper, Wyoming (US) for years 2019 and 2020. |
Sandhu et al. 2022 |
Mitigation, Monitoring | Land-based, OffshoreOperation | Turbine CollisionBirds, Bats | nvisionist nvbird | nvbird aims to use a machine learning algorithm in collaboration with HD cameras to recognize the protected birds, analyze their flight path, and deter them with special sounds. If the incoming bird is not deterred the system is intended to stop the wind generator until the birds fly away. This technology is In Development. |
Even with blade tips on the tower |
There is no publicly available literature documenting this technology's testing and validation history. |
No available documents. |
Monitoring | OffshoreConstruction, Operation, Planning | Noise, Avoidance, Cumulative Effects, DisplacementMarine Mammals | MTC Media PAMGuard | Freely available, open source PAMGuard software is designed to aid in the analysis of passive acoustic monitoring data. The software aims to detect, locate, and classify marine mammals from the sounds they produce. This technology is Open-Source Available. |
PAMGuard analyzes passive acoustic monitoring data |
Large-Scale Field Study
Clausen et al. (2019) examined the performance of different passive acoustic monitoring filters and detectors in varying ocean noise environments....Read more Clausen et al. (2019) examined the performance of different passive acoustic monitoring filters and detectors in varying ocean noise environments. The PAMGuard system was used to analyse harbour porpoise clicks and ambient noise data collected in the spring of 2013 and summer of 2014 in the west of Denmark. Sarnocinska et al. (2017) observed harbor porpoises in the Danish Great and Little Belts between June and November, 2015 with C-PODS and PAMGuard. The accuracy of both methods was compared. Keating et al. (2013) describe the beaked whale detectors and classifiers used during beaked whale surveys in Southern California (US) in the summer and fall of 2012. Yack et al. (2009) evaluated the efficacy of using PAMGuard software (version 1.0) to detect cetaceans in marine environments by comparing manual detections to those made by PAMGuard during a SWFSC dolphin survey conducted in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean from 20 August to 28 November, 2007. Read less |
Clausen et al. 2019, Sarnocinska et al. 2016, Keating and Barlow 2013, Yack et al. 2009 |
Monitoring, Mitigation | Land-basedConstruction, Operation, Decommissioning | Turbine CollisionBirds | Sens of Life ProBird | ProBird is a system for bird identification and collision mitigation at wind farms. High sensitivity IP cameras are fixed to wind turbines and arranged to provide several panoramic views of the wind farm. Infrared camera options are available for nocturnal monitoring....Read more ProBird is a system for bird identification and collision mitigation at wind farms. High sensitivity IP cameras are fixed to wind turbines and arranged to provide several panoramic views of the wind farm. Infrared camera options are available for nocturnal monitoring. The video streams provided by these cameras are stacked and used to record raw bird activity. An algorithm detects motion and applies a quick size filter, removes turbine blades from view, performs a shape analysis to reject clouds and vegetation motion, and performs a trajectory analysis. These analyses identify possible collision events. In the event of a possible collision, one of two responses is triggered: an acoustic warning or an event-related shutdown of the turbine. Read less |
On turbines, integrated with turbine control system |
Large-Scale Field Study
Lagrange and Rico (2019) compared bird detection via the ProBird algorithm with human-identified detection of the collected video from 10 wind farms in France and Germany. |
Lagrange and Rico 2019 |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction, Operation | Habitat AlterationFish, Ecosystem Processes, Habitat, Invertebrates | ARC Marine Reef cube® | Reef cubes are concrete structures which aim to provide artificial reef structure and shelter for benthic animals. Reef cubes consist of materials developed to facilitate reef establishment. Configuration depends on the target species or habitat. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Reef cubes placed around turbine foundation |
Small-Scale Field Study
Bureau Waardenburg (2020) conducted a survey of reef establishment techniques in the interest of enhancing ecosystem health around wind farms in the North Sea. Artificial reef structures such as reef cubes were included in the "toolbox" discussed. ...Read moreBureau Waardenburg (2020) conducted a survey of reef establishment techniques in the interest of enhancing ecosystem health around wind farms in the North Sea. Artificial reef structures such as reef cubes were included in the "toolbox" discussed. Brock et al. (1989) compared the efficacy of four artificial reef structures in establishing reef habitat over 12 years off of Oahu, Hawaii (US). Read less |
Bureau Waardenburg bv 2020, Brock and Norris 1989 |
Mitigation | OffshoreConstruction, Operation | Habitat AlterationHabitat, Fish, Marine Reptiles, Ecosystem Processes | Reef Ball Foundation ReefBalls | Reef Balls are concrete structures which aim to facilitate reef growth and provide shelter for benthic animals. Reef Balls consist of materials designed to facilitate reef establishment and are typically placed in groupings to initiate reef establishment. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Placed around the base of offshore wind turbines |
Del Vita (2016) conducted hydraulic analysis of reef balls in a flume at the University of Naples. Scyphers et al. (2015) compared the habitat value of oyster shell bags and Reef Balls along eroding coastline in Alabama (US) over the course of two years. ...Read moreDel Vita (2016) conducted hydraulic analysis of reef balls in a flume at the University of Naples. Scyphers et al. (2015) compared the habitat value of oyster shell bags and Reef Balls along eroding coastline in Alabama (US) over the course of two years. Langhamer et al. (2012) evaluated the state of artificial reef technology as it relates to the development of marine energy resources. Reef Balls were considered in their application around the base of marine energy infrastructure projects. Wilson (2007) discussed benthic habitat changes expected in the development of offshore wind turbine. Measures for improving habitat such as artificial reef structures and scour protection measures were also discussed. Read less |
ILARIA DEL VITA 2016, Scyphers et al. 2015, Langhamer 2012, Wilson 2007 |
Monitoring | Land-basedConstruction, Operation, Planning | Turbine CollisionBats | Normandeau Associates REMOTE BAT ACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGY (ReBAT®) SYSTEM | The ReBAT® system uses a full-spectrum AR125 microphone (Binary Acoustic Technology, LLC) with the intent of classifying bat calls with a combination of manual expert analysis and SonoBatTM software (SonoBat, Arcata, CA) automated analysis. This technology is Commercially Available. |
Acoustic detectors mounted on the nacelle |
Rabie et al. (2022) used ReBat as part of a Turbine Integrated Mortality Reduction (TIMR) system-curtailed turbines on 10 turbines at a wind farm in Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin (US) in 2008-2009. ...Read moreRabie et al. (2022) used ReBat as part of a Turbine Integrated Mortality Reduction (TIMR) system-curtailed turbines on 10 turbines at a wind farm in Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin (US) in 2008-2009. Foo et al. (2017) used Rebat on two operational wind turbines at Wolf Ridge Wind farm in the southern Great Plains (US) from July 2010 - 2011 to look at bat mortality rates and forging habits in proximity to wind farms. Read less |
Rabie et al. 2022, Hale et al. 2017 |