Ignitis Renewables is set to become the first company in Lithuania to implement cutting-edge bird monitoring technology developed by ProTecBird. This innovative system will detect and identify birds approaching wind turbines in real time. Upon detection, the turbines will be temporarily halted, safeguarding birds from potential collisions. The technology aims to balance environmental conservation with the efficient operation of wind turbines and is expected to be operational by next spring.
According to Lina Žibienė, Head of Environmental and Permitting at Ignitis Renewables, biodiversity protection is a core element of the company’s sustainability strategy. As a leader in green energy in the Baltic region, Ignitis Renewables continuously seeks innovative environmental solutions for its projects.
“Even though we do not currently have the obligation to install the system for wind farms that have been built already, we believe that this decision is very important in order to minimise the environmental impact of our renewable energy projects. While conducting surveys at Kelmė wind farm, we noticed that there are vulnerable species inhabiting the territory and that additional measures are required to protect them. That is why we decided to act now. We chose the highest-quality technologies that were created by world-renowned manufacturers. The new systems will ensure the maximum efficiency and harmonise the energy generation and the highest environmental standards,” said L. Žibienė.
Advanced Technology at the Largest Wind Farm in the Baltics
The innovative bird protection system will be installed at the Kelmė wind farm, the largest wind farm in the Baltic states. Comprising 44 wind turbines and a total capacity of 300 megawatts (MW), the project demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship through the adoption of advanced ecosystem-friendly solutions.
The monitoring system will help protect vulnerable bird species, including the lesser spotted eagle, the western marsh harrier, and the common buzzard, which inhabit the area.
AI Technology for Environmental Benefit
A total of 84 bird protection devices will be installed on 28 of the 44 wind turbines at Kelmė wind farm, positioned 10 meters above ground. Despite not equipping all turbines, the system will cover the entire site. The devices, manufactured by the German company ProTecBird, use high-definition cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor birds in real time, assessing flight speed, path, and altitude.
If a bird enters a 300–600 meter zone around a turbine, the system can halt the turbine within 30 seconds. This ensures turbines are inactive only for short periods, minimizing energy disruption while preventing bird collisions.
The technology originated as a derivative of advanced air defense systems used for detecting and tracking drones. Enhanced with sophisticated AI capabilities, it has been adapted to reliably identify bird species, offering an innovative solution to mitigate the environmental impact of wind farms.
A Broader Scope for Bird Protection
ProTecBird is renowned for integrating ornithological expertise with state-of-the-art technology. The bird protection system, known for its versatility, is also employed at industrial facilities, stadiums, and airports, ensuring the safety of both birds and air traffic.
“We are proud to have Ignitis Renewables choose our AI-powered AVES Wind anti-collision system. It is a privilege to support Lithuania’s energy transition while actively protecting bird species,” said Thorsten Heinzen, CEO of ProTecBird.
The system will not only safeguard birds but also contribute to ongoing research. “With the help of this system, we will be able to constantly monitor the birds, including their habitats, flight paths and perhaps discover new species that were not identified before,” added L. Žibienė, highlighting the broader ecological benefits of the monitoring system.
Source: Ignitis Renewables
