Can wind power and wildlife thrive together ?
In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Martin Scott, Senior Director at RPS, joins Ben Stockdale to explore the intersection of the British bird population and renewable energy development. Martin discusses how the industry has evolved to address the impact of wind turbines, the role of advanced technology in site assessments, and the balance between renewable energy expansion and wildlife conservation.
07 November 2024 | 1 min read
Episode overview
In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, host Ben Stockdale is joined by Martin Scott, Senior Director of Ornithology at RPS, to explore the critical balance between advancing renewable energy through wind power and protecting bird populations. With over 25 years of experience in ornithology and renewable energy projects, Martin talks about how the industry has evolved to address wildlife concerns, including innovative techniques, technological advancements, and data-driven strategies for sustainable development.
Tune in to gain insights into how the renewable energy sector can align with environmental goals, practical examples of mitigation strategies, and the role of ongoing innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Whether you’re in the energy industry or an environmental enthusiast, this episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of coexistence between wind power and wildlife.
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It's about striking that balance. We need wind turbines, but we also need to conserve birds and wildlife. They're part of why we are developing renewable energy.
Martin Scott
Senior Director - Ornithology
Key highlights
02:33 - 7:34 - Wind Turbines and Wildlife - The wind energy industry has come a long way in understanding and addressing the impact of turbines on bird populations. Early mistakes, such as building wind farms in high-traffic bird areas like Tarifa in Spain or Smøla in Norway, showcase the importance of better site selection and design. Today, advances in technology, research, and planning prioritise both renewable energy and wildlife conservation. The key is striking a balance between using science to minimise harm and acknowledging that renewable energy's benefits must not come at the cost of the natural world.
7:11 - 13:52 - Balancing Tech and Nature - Modern wind farm assessments balance advanced technology with hands-on expertise to ensure accuracy and safety. While models are becoming more sophisticated, human observation remains vital for understanding real-world biology. Onshore, experts conduct walkover and vantage point surveys to gather detailed data on bird activity. Offshore, aerial surveys with aircraft-mounted cameras have replaced boats. However, even with cutting-edge tools, interpreting the data requires mixing biological insight with modelling to make practical, common-sense decisions that account for unpredictable natural behaviours.
21:13 - 25:47 - Shaping the Future of Renewable Energy Projects - Regulators and developers in the energy sector must bridge the gap between models and real-world outcomes by fostering collaboration and focusing on evidence-based approaches. Post-construction monitoring is essential to validate environmental impact predictions and improve planning for future projects. The industry can turn vast data into actionable insights by leveraging modern tools like radar, camera systems, and bird tracking, as well as tapping into the expertise of universities and consultants.
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Martin Scott
Senior Director - Ornithology