Whether because of ecological reasons or commercial ones, many in the industry are working hard to address this issue.

Development of the AWWI

Arnold recalls that, as the wind industry started to grow commercially, it recognized the need to address wildlife issues as quickly as possible, so it could continue to thrive. A number of industry leaders worked together to create the AWWI to “work with the conservation-science community to understand the risks and develop solutions to address those risks.” Having celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2018, the organization’s membership includes 27 companies, 9 national conservation-science groups, and the Association of State Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA).

According to the AWWI website, its mission is to “facilitate timely and responsible development of wind energy while protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat.” The organization has researched numerous related topics, including how technology can protect wildlife, the effects of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lighting (which is required on structures more than 199 feet tall, including wind turbines) on wildlife, the risks of wind energy development for bats, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) land-based wind energy guidelines.

The AWWI has had good results. For example, the organization worked with environmentalists concerned about local raptors at Altamont Pass, California and operators of a wind farm there. The local utility, PG&E, which was getting power from the farms, was also involved. Through research and ongoing discussions, the two sides reached an agreement that involved a long-term solution of using taller turbines, which are safer for raptors. In addition, according to an AWWI case study, “wind energy companies have contributed to raptor habitat restoration efforts.” Not only that, but “The lessons learned at Altamont have fostered a constructive partnership between the wind and wildlife communities.”

Protection Technology 

As with many other areas of life, technology can help too. Camera- and radar-based machines can detect and deter birds and bats with lights or sounds. Other units can determine when birds are about to intersect with a turbine and shut down the turbine before impact. Unfortunately, some of these innovations are still new and, therefore, expensive, meaning that wind farm operators must decide whether they can invest in these technologies and still remain competitive.

Continued Research and Data

The AWWI has developed the American Wind Wildlife Information Center (AWWIC), a “first-of-its-kind initiative to expand the analysis of wind-wildlife data to provide actionable insights that benefit not only future wind energy operations, but also the future of wildlife conservation.” Essentially, it’s a database cataloging bird and bat fatalities on and around wind farms. The data come from both public and confidential sources to encourage private companies to participate.  

All of these elements create a virtuous cycle that makes wind energy more viable over time: more data becomes available, contributing to further innovations, which yield specific results and additional data. Based on progress so far, the trajectory of greater success for wind power and greater safety for wildlife is likely to continue.

What do you know about the impact of wind power on wildlife? Please share in the comments.