Birds on the radar for wind turbines
A TASMANIAN wind farm will be the first to trial new radar technology which could reduce bird collisions and deaths at its site — and be taken on by other renewable energy projects still in the development phase.
The Musselroe Wind Farm in Tasmania’s North-East — which has recorded 19 wedgetailed eagle and one white-bellied sea eagle deaths since its construction in 2013 — will become the first wind farm in Australia to trial the Max® system, the flagship radar of Dutch company Robin Radars.
Goldwind, which operates the newly-constructed Cattle Hill Wind Farm in the Central Highlands, has spent $3 million installing camera technology from the US.
The proponents behind a massive wind operation on Robbins Island and nearby Jim’s Plain also are investigating bird mitigation options.
Woolnorth Wind Farm, which operates Musselroe and another two in the state’s far North-West, said the installation was part of its ongoing efforts to mitigate collisions and mortalities, particularly among the endangered wedge-tailed eagle population. Woolnorth general manager Stephen Ross said the radar system was avian-specific, monitoring birds in the landscape and initiating the shutdown of turbines.
“It provides full 3D coverage from the horizon, up to one kilometre in height, and can automatically detect and log hundreds of birds simultaneously,” Mr Ross said.
“Protecting Tasmania’s environment, including eagles, is extremely important to Woolnorth.
“Our research shows each collision is likely to be caused by a unique set of circumstances, and we have determined that a wind turbine curtailment system is the best option to address the issue.
“Our long-term, comprehensive investigations into available technologies, along with site investigations by Robin Radar Systems’ technicians from the Netherlands, have concluded that the Max® radar is the most suitable for our site and species.”
The system is due to be installed mid-next year, but it could take several months to customise the shutdown system to respond effectively to high-risk wedge-tailed eagle flights.