Development and first results of a bird impact detection system for wind turbines

In the Netherlands the Dutch government has set a very ambitious target for offshore wind energy of 6000 megawatt in 2020. Environmental impact of wind energy plays an important role in the public acceptance that also influences the decision-making processes. Since the introduction of wind energy, there is a concern that turbines would cause harm to birds. A lot of studies about nuisance to birds from wind turbines onshore are executed in the last decade. Still many questions are left related to the development of wind energy offshore. In most countries, wildlife protection organisations and environmental groups follow the development of offshore wind energy. In order to get more information about birds at sea, new tools and methods are needed to increase knowledge in this field. The lack of appropriate tools and information evoked a lot of negative publicity on wind energy and reduced the opportunities to realise projects.