How Fugro & AI Could Stop Birds Hitting Offshore Turbines
A new partnership between Fugro and Spoor promises to solve the problem of birds hitting offshore wind turbines – and make the clean energy projects more affordable.
The civil engineering firm and the software company have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a new bird-monitoring solution for offshore renewable energy projects.
The system will not only help protect bird populations but also supports the growth of renewable energy by making environmental assessments more affordable, cleaner and safer.
Connecting technology
The solution uses video cameras installed on Fugro’s SEAWATCH Wind Lidar and other metocean buoys to record bird activity at wind farm locations.
Spoor’s advanced computer vision and AI software then analyses these recordings to quickly and accurately identify bird species.
Jørn Erik Norangshol, Fugro’s Regional Service Line Director, Metocean Science for Europe and Africa, says: “We’re excited to be unlocking insights by connecting Spoor’s advanced computer vision software with our world-leading SEAWATCH buoy technology to create a reliable bird-monitoring platform that can withstand tough offshore conditions.
“This innovative partnership will streamline bird-monitoring at wind farms and support the development of offshore projects.”
Why is it an improvement?
Currently, traditional bird monitoring methods require good weather and aircraft or vessel surveys, which are costly, have a high carbon footprint, and pose safety risks to field staff.
Fugro and Spoor’s system overcomes these challenges by using buoy-mounted cameras that capture high-quality video year-round, even in harsh sea conditions.
This approach provides a more reliable and cost-effective way to conduct legally required environmental impact assessments for offshore wind farms.
Christian Skaarup Rasmussen, Spoor’s Vice President of Partner Sales, said: “This partnership with Fugro marks an exciting step forward in making offshore bird monitoring simpler, smarter and more scalable.
“By embedding Spoor’s AI-powered bird tracking into Fugro’s offshore platforms, we’re giving developers access to high-quality, reliable data to meet biodiversity requirements.”
The new bird-monitoring solution was successfully tested at Hywind Tampen offshore wind farm in the Norwegian North Sea.
About Fugro
Fugro, which is based in Leidschendam, South Holland, is a world-leading geo-data specialist.
It uses map, model and monitor solutions to provide project critical insights into the built and natural environment.
It supports clients by delivering solutions in support of the energy transition, large-scale infrastructure development and climate resilience.
It says: “With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the life cycle.
“In line with our purpose, we are extending our know-how and solutions to the understanding and preservation of ecosystems.”
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