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Dutch Research Black Blades for Bird Safety

By: Bridget Randall-Smith 25/01/2022 ESK

Turbines Windfarms

The Dutch government is considering requirements for painting offshore wind turbine blades black to reduce risk to birds.

The motion was first put forward in June 2021 as an amendment to the Offshore Wind Energy Act (OWEA) and the government has now initiated various studies to investigate its potential.

The proposal is based on a Norwegian study where researchers painted one blade on a number of turbines black at an onshore wind farm to enhance the contrast between the blades. The underlying idea is that one black blade between two white ones makes the turbine more recognizable to birds as a rotating object. The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research in Trondheim concludes that it could reduce bird mortality by up to 71%.

Further research into potential roll out in the Netherlands, considering the difference in bird species and landscape, is being carried out at Eemshaven by RWE and the province of Groningen, in collaboration with other authorities (including the Ministry of Economic Affairs), nature organizations and private parties.

In addition, there are questions over the technical disadvantages of a black blade, which is more susceptible to heat absorption, causing more wear and tear over time.

From a legal perspective, there is also legislation at national and European levels for white turbine colour schemes due to aviation safety. Investigations need to be carried out as to whether whether aviation safety is sufficiently guaranteed should black blades be introduced.

All studies are due to be completed by 2024, after which new requirements for the inclusion of black blades could be added to the site decisions for future wind farms, provided there are no objections.

For more information on offshore wind farms worldwide, click here.

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Dutch Research Black Blades for Bird Safety

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