The risk of birds colliding with offshore wind farms is half the level previously assumed, according to a two-year study that claims to be the world’s most extensive.

The study – run by the UK’s Carbon Trust for 11 developers, seabed landlord The Crown Estate and Marine Scotland – spent two years tracking the interaction of birds with the Thanet offshore wind farm, a 300MW project operated by Vattenfall off southern England.

Researchers used a “multi-sensor monitoring system” combining “human observer-based tracking with a system that automatically recorded seabird movements”, with radars recording data 24-hours a day.

A statement from the Carbon Trust said 600,000 video images of Thanet were analysed, with 12,131 showing bird activity and just six collisions with turbines.

“The analysis revealed that collision risk of seabirds was less than half of what would be expected based on current understanding. During the study seabirds were observed to exhibited avoidance behavior and change their flight path to avoid the turbines.”

Piers Guy, UK country manager for Vattenfall said: “This pioneering study...is a significant step forward in our understanding of the way in which seabirds avoid offshore wind turbines, and comes at a crucial time as the next generation of wind turbines are designed and developed. This research will support UK Government plans to rapidly and sustainably grow the offshore wind sector by 2030.”

The project was aided by environmental advisers from bodies including bird charity RSPB. An RSPB-led action last year unsuccessfully sought to halt four major wind farm projects in Scotland on environmental grounds.

Wind

Offshore wind bird-risk less than feared: Carbon Trust study