Fugro & Spoor: Could AI Solve Birds' Wind Turbine Troubles?
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 collaboration between the civil engineering firm and the software company involves a memorandum of understanding designed to create an advanced bird-monitoring system for offshore renewable energy projects.
This system is poised to not only safeguard avian populations but also promote the expansion of renewable energy by making environmental impact assessments more accessible, environmentally friendly and secure.
Connecting technology
The proposed solution incorporates video cameras mounted on Fugro’s SEAWATCH Wind Lidar and other meteorological buoys to track bird movement around wind farm sites.
Spoor’s sophisticated computer vision and AI software then processes these recordings to swiftly and accurately determine 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?
Traditional avian monitoring techniques currently depend on favourable weather and aerial or maritime surveys, which can be expensive, carbon-intensive and pose safety risks for personnel.
The solution from Fugro and Spoor addresses these drawbacks by employing buoy-mounted cameras capable of capturing high-quality video throughout the year, even in severe marine conditions.
This method offers a more reliable and economical means to fulfil legally mandated 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 innovative bird-monitoring system underwent successful testing at the 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.
The company provides critical insights into both constructed and natural environments through mapping, modelling and monitoring services.
By delivering solutions that support the energy transition and the development of resilient infrastructure, Fugro aids clients in navigating the challenges of climate change.
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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