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Wind energy expansion and nature conservation should continue to be reconciled in a way that minimizes conflict
A new study covering the entire state of Hesse provides important insights into the flight behavior of the red kite and aims to better integrate the expansion of wind energy with the protection of this bird of prey. The report, commissioned by the Hessian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, is based on data from 12 GPS-tagged red kites and documents over 5.3 million flight movements from 2021 and 2022.
"The expansion of wind energy must not come at the expense of protected species. The current study shows that we have already implemented effective protection measures for the red kite in Hesse," explained Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy Kaweh Mansoori. The goal is to promote the environmentally sound expansion of renewable energies and to ensure public acceptance.
The study demonstrates, among other things, a wind-dependent flight pattern: red kites fly lower as wind speed increases. This is the basis for the so-called low-wind shutdown , a regulation developed in Hesse and enshrined in the administrative regulation "Nature Conservation and Wind Energy." Accordingly, wind turbines are temporarily shut down during periods of low wind, as birds of prey are particularly likely to be at rotor level during these times. Additionally, the rotor area of many Hessian wind turbines only begins at a height of 80 meters, which further reduces the risk of collision.
Another aspect of the study is the findings on the avoidance behavior of birds near rotors , which are also used for nationwide research. In this way, the state of Hesse is making a targeted contribution to the implementation of the requirements of the Federal Nature Conservation Act.
The study was conducted in coordination with the Hessian Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment. It complements the study published in 2019 for the Vogelsberg region and is now available online at:
landesplanung.hessen.de
Further information on the administrative regulation “Nature Conservation and Wind Energy”: natureg.hessen.de
(Darmstadt - red)
