Old Tassie wind farm to debut new turbine shutdown tech, in bid to protect eagles

The latest version of US technology that detects and identifies birds near wind turbines and slows or shuts the turbines down to avoid bird collisions, will have its global debut in Australia at Tasmania’s Musselroe Wind Farm, in collaboration with project owner Woolnorth Renewables.

American technology company Boulder Imaging has unveiled the latest version of its groundbreaking avian anti-collision system for wind farms, IdentiFlight, which improves detection accuracy while upgrading the technology’s ability to withstand tougher environmental conditions.

The industry-leading technology uses artificial intelligence and high-precision optical technology – including stereo and wide-field-of-view cameras – to detect and determine bird species, and then slow or shut down wind turbines at risk of bird collision.

According to IdentiFlight, the detection software can initiate what is called an “informed curtailment” of the wind turbine, slowing wind turbines to under 2rpm, resulting in what operators report is a less than 1 per cent loss in power generation.

IdentiFlight V5 enhances performance with improved bird detection accuracy and efficiency, specifically raptor species like eagles, hawks, and falcons, expanding detection out to a range of 1.3 km.

The technology has already been put to the test in Australia, operating at the 144MW Cattle Hill wind farm in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, and is in operation around the globe, in North America, Europe, and Africa.

IdentiFlight announced this week V5 of its Bird Detection System technology, which the company says boosts performance and reliability, will make its debut at the 168MW Musselroe Wind Farm in Tasmania.

Developed by Woolnorth Renewables in Tasmania’s north-east, the Musselroe wind farm was commissioned back in 2013 and features 56 Vestas V90 wind turbines on towers 80m high with blades 44m long.

The wind farm’s location – on the wild Tasmanian coast, subject to the strong winds off Bass Strait – is a good spot to test the new version of the technology, which also incorporates “ruggedised” control cabinets, improving its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

For Woolnorth Renewables, it will help minimise the project’s impact on local birdlife, including endangered wedge-tail and sea eagles.

“The installation of IdentiFlight V5 at Musselroe underscores our dedication to protecting Tasmania’s iconic wedge-tailed eagle and white-bellied sea eagle,” says Woolnorth Renewables general manager and developer of Musselroe Wind Farm, Jie Yao.

“We recognise that cutting-edge solutions, such as IdentiFlight, are integral to mitigating potential risks of wind farms as we advance critical clean energy initiatives across Tasmania and Australia.”

Boulder Imagine CEO and CTO, Carlos Jorquera says the unveil of the V5 technology is a significant leap forward in species protection at wind farms,” said Carlos Jorquera, CEO and CTO of Boulder Imaging.

“This milestone reflects our unwavering dedication to a sustainable future, where clean energy flourishes alongside thriving ecosystems,” he said

“Together with Woolnorth Renewables, we’re proud to pioneer this next chapter in species protection,” said Don Mills, Boulder Imaging president and COO.

“By deploying IdentiFlight’s V5 technology at the Musselroe Wind Farm, we’re not just innovating; we’re setting new benchmarks for wildlife protection in wind farms. This partnership represents more than just a collaboration; it’s a shared commitment to conservation and progress.”