Two new studies are challenging long-standing criticism that wind turbines pose a major threat to birds, suggesting that collisions may occur far less frequently than often feared.
Researchers using artificial intelligence monitoring, video analysis and radar tracking examined bird activity around offshore wind turbines and found very few – or no – collisions, potentially reshaping the debate around the environmental impact of wind energy.
Aberdeen wind farm study finds no bird collisions
One of the studies was conducted by energy company Vattenfall in collaboration with the technology firm Spoor at an offshore wind farm in Aberdeen.
Over a period of 19 months, from June 2023 to December 2024, researchers monitored bird activity around a turbine using AI-supported video recordings.
In total, 2,007 bird flight paths near the monitored turbine were analysed.
According to the findings, not a single collision with the turbine blades was recorded.
“By combining AI-powered detection and detailed expert analysis, we can replace assumptions with concrete observations and measure actual behaviour in the immediate vicinity of wind turbines,” said Ask Helseth, CEO and co-founder of Spoor.
Dr Eva Julius-Philipp, Director for Environment and Sustainability at Vattenfall’s Wind division, said the results show that modern offshore wind farms can operate with a low risk to wildlife.
Study shows migratory birds avoid turbines
A second study carried out by the German Offshore Wind Energy Association (BWO) reached similar conclusions, finding that migratory birds overwhelmingly avoid wind turbines.
Researchers analysed more than four million bird movements over roughly 18 months using bird radar systems and AI-based stereo cameras.
The data showed that more than 99.8 per cent of migratory birds avoided wind turbines.
“The new study shows that migratory birds avoid wind turbines. This confirms that the environmentally friendly expansion of offshore wind energy works in harmony with these birds rather than against them,” said Stefan Thimm, managing director of BWO.
Dr Jörg Welcker, head of research and development at BioConsult SH, said the research relied on advanced monitoring technologies.
“AI-controlled stereo cameras measured flight activity in the rotor area, while specialised bird radar recorded migration patterns. By comparing the two data sets, we were able to precisely calculate avoidance rates,” he explained.
Conservation groups still warn of risks
Despite the findings, nature and wildlife protection organisations continue to warn that wind turbines can still threaten certain bird species.
The German Wildlife Foundation says wind energy is an important tool for climate protection, but argues that the expansion of wind farms must not come at the expense of biodiversity.
“The German Wildlife Foundation expressly welcomes the expansion of renewable energies, but it must not be at the expense of species conservation,” said Dr Andreas Kinser, head of nature and species conservation at the organisation.
“The urgency of biodiversity protection is in no way inferior to that of climate protection.”
Calls for stronger wildlife protection rules
A study commissioned by the German Wildlife Foundation calls for clear minimum standards to protect sensitive bird species near wind farms.
One key reference is the “Helgoland Paper,” a set of scientific recommendations that propose safety distances between wind turbines and bird nesting areas.
For example, experts recommend that wind turbines should be located at least 6,000 metres away from the nest of a lesser spotted eagle.
The foundation argues that current legal regulations for bird protection fall short of these scientific recommendations.
Debate over wind energy continues
While the new studies suggest that many bird species collide with wind turbines far less often than critics claim, researchers say the issue is not fully settled.
Scientists and conservationists agree that as offshore wind energy continues to expand, careful planning and special protection for sensitive habitats will remain essential to balance climate goals with biodiversity protection.