Local wind farm pioneers system to protect birds in South Africa

• News & Highlights

In South Africa, BioTherm Energy’s Excelsior Wind farm is collaborating with conservation organisations to minimise the wind industry’s impact on local bird populations (avifauna).

To avoid losses, the on-site mitigation programme includes an industry-first implementation of an observer-led ‘Shut Down on Demand’ (SDOD) system for priority species.

The 33MW Excelsior Wind farm is constructed on 2,300 hectares of land in Swellendam, an area known as one of the largest agricultural producing areas in the country and home to many species of birds.

The programme not only studies how to mitigate the potential impact of the wind farm on birds but also aims to grow priority species, including Cape Vulture, Black Harrier, Verreaux’s Eagle and Martial Eagle.