Night-vision cameras and bird radars are now in place and collecting data as part of the BirdSafe project, which aims to balance bird safety, energy security and operational needs at offshore wind farms. The research focuses on gathering detailed information on bird migration, particularly songbirds during autumn, when collision risk is highest.
Sixty night-vision cameras have been deployed at the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm, supported by radar data from Gemini Windpark and other specialised systems. The monitoring programme will track bird movements through and around the sites and record activity near individual turbines.
The data will be used to refine models predicting collision risk and flight behaviour. These models are intended to support curtailment strategies that consider ecological, financial and energy supply factors. Recommendations will be developed with NGOs, government bodies, TenneT and wind farm operators.
Most camera systems were installed in September and October and will support analysis of the 2025 autumn migration. Additional sensors will be added in 2026. Initial results are expected in the second quarter of 2026.
The consortium includes Equinor, FØN Energy Services, Gemini Windpark, Robin Radar Systems, SSE, TNO, Vattenfall, Wageningen University & Research and the University of Amsterdam.
