• 30 IdentiFlight AI units added to Woolnorth’s Tasmanian wind farm.
• AI prevents eagle collisions using sensors.
• Cuts bird fatalities by 85%, aligning with Woolnorth’s green commitment.

In an effort to safeguard the native wedgetail eagles inhabiting the island state of Tasmania, Woolnorth Renewables, an Australian company with wind farms in the region, is adopting artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technology. The company plans to install 30 IdentiFlight units on its 168 megawatt (MW) wind farm, aiming to mitigate the risk of bird collisions with wind turbines.

As the global transition towards renewable energy gains momentum, the proliferation of wind and solar installations has raised concerns about their impact on local wildlife. The expansion of wind turbines, in particular, poses a threat to flying birds, with collisions resulting in fatalities. Reports from the MIT Climate Portal suggest that in the United States alone, up to 679,000 birds are killed annually due to turbine collisions.

To address this environmental challenge, Woolnorth Renewables is turning to advanced technology. The IdentiFlight system, utilizing optical sensors and AI algorithms, can identify eagles and other protected birds flying up to 0.6 miles (one km) away from the turbines. The system rapidly calculates the birds’ trajectory relative to the rotary sweep area of the turbine and, within seconds, determines if shutting down one or more turbines is necessary to prevent collisions.

Woolnorth Renewables has been proactive in implementing bird protection measures. Initially employing a human-observer-based system in 2019, the company upgraded to a bird radar technology on a trial basis in October 2020. Despite these efforts, the wind farm reported additional eagle collisions, prompting the adoption of the IdentiFlight AI system.

The efficacy of the IdentiFlight technology was assessed at another Woolnorth Renewables wind farm in Tasmania, demonstrating a detection accuracy of 99 percent. According to the assessment report, the AI-powered system could potentially reduce bird fatalities by 85 percent, marking a significant advancement in wildlife conservation efforts associated with wind energy.

Giles Rinckes, the general manager at Woolnorth Renewables, emphasized the importance of such technological innovations, stating, “Wind farms are critical to our clean energy transition, and new technologies like IdentiFlight are crucial to managing and mitigating potential risks.” The move towards AI-driven solutions showcases a commitment to balancing renewable energy goals with the preservation of local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Also Read

Sehat Kahani Raises $2.7M in Series A Funding to Empower Women

Sehat Kahani raises $2.7M in Series A. Founded by Drs. Sara Saeed...