The coexistence of wind energy and biodiversity is one of the key challenges in the transition towards a more sustainable energy system. Biodiv-Wind has developed a suite of innovative technologies that mitigate the environmental impact of wind farms without compromising their operational efficiency.

“Our mission is to ensure that wind energy and wildlife can coexist,” the company states. To achieve this, they have developed an ecosystem of solutions based on artificial intelligence and real-time monitoring, enabling more accurate environmental impact assessments and mitigation strategies.

Monitoring technology to minimise biodiversity impact

Biodiv-Wind provides advanced tools that integrate into different phases of a wind project, from planning to operation.

1. Bird Sentinel: an AI-powered system that monitors bird activity before a wind farm is built. “It replaces months of human observation with continuous, data-driven tracking,” explains Biodiv-Wind.
2. SafeWind and AudioBat: these systems regulate turbine activity in real time. SafeWind uses AI-driven video analysis to detect approaching birds, while AudioBat relies on acoustic sensors to monitor bat activity at night.
3. Xbird Radar: provides large-scale monitoring by tracking the altitude, trajectory, and speed of birds, functioning both before and after wind farm construction.

“By combining video, radar, and acoustic monitoring, our solutions offer flexibility and adapt to the specific needs of each wind farm,” the company highlights.

An alternative to fixed shutdowns: protecting biodiversity without reducing energy production

The traditional approach to wildlife protection in wind farms has been to implement fixed shutdown periods for turbines, which can lead to unnecessary energy loss. Biodiv-Wind offers a more efficient alternative: dynamic mitigation.

“We detect birds and bats in real time and adjust turbine activity accordingly,” the company explains. This means turbines are only stopped when there is an actual risk of collision, optimising the balance between biodiversity conservation and energy generation.

A differentiated approach in the market

Unlike other solutions, Biodiv-Wind employs a multi-sensor approach to improve detection accuracy and adaptability. “While some systems rely solely on video, radar, or audio, we combine these technologies to achieve greater precision,” they state.

Another key differentiator is that Biodiv-Wind’s systems record and analyse wildlife activity directly within the turbine rotor. “This provides clear visual evidence of bird presence and collisions, allowing operators to make better mitigation decisions,” they add.

Success stories and international expansion

With over 700 systems installed, Biodiv-Wind has worked on numerous projects worldwide, ensuring the feasibility of wind farms facing environmental challenges.

One of the most significant cases occurred in Brazil, where a project was at risk of cancellation due to the presence of the Lear’s macaw, an endangered species. “Thanks to Bird Sentinel, we provided scientific data proving that the macaws were not present in the planned wind farm area, allowing the project to move forward,” the company explains.

Biodiv-Wind has also implemented its solutions in offshore wind projects. “The offshore environment presents unique challenges, but our technologies have consistently proven effective,” they affirm.

Regulations and challenges in adopting dynamic solutions

One of Biodiv-Wind’s main challenges is adapting to varying regulations across different countries. In some regions, authorities still favour fixed shutdowns or, in extreme cases, reject wind projects altogether due to biodiversity concerns.

“The challenge is ensuring that real-time monitoring and adaptive mitigation are recognised as industry standards,” the company states. As the sector evolves, more wind farm operators are embracing these technologies as part of their environmental management strategies.

Future outlook: innovation and expansion

Biodiv-Wind continues to develop new solutions to enhance the coexistence of wind energy and biodiversity. One of its upcoming innovations is a 3D version of SafeWind, which will improve distance measurement accuracy and significantly reduce turbine shutdowns.

Additionally, the company is launching a new offshore monitoring solution based on visual and thermal detection. “We are expanding across Europe, where regulatory frameworks are evolving and demand for biodiversity monitoring is increasing,” they note.

The future of wind energy depends on striking the right balance between renewable energy generation and environmental protection. “Integrating monitoring and mitigation technologies at every stage of a wind project—from the initial assessment to daily operations—is crucial for ensuring sustainable development,” Biodiv-Wind concludes.

As the company continues to position itself as a key partner in the wind energy sector, its innovative solutions not only ensure compliance with environmental regulations but also enhance public perception of wind power as a truly sustainable alternative.