May 12
The first year of a study of the interaction between bats and wind
turbines shows shutting down turbines during low wind periods reduced bat
mortality by more than 70%, and with little energy loss.
Iberdrola Renewables has partnered with Bat Conservation International to
address potential wind energy impacts on bats. They are using Iberdrola
Renewables´ Casselman Wind Power Project in southwestern Pennsylvania to
conduct experiments.
"Shutting down turbines at certain wind speeds during periods when bats
appear most vulnerable at this Northeastern U.S. wind farm may have the
potential to be a cost-effective way to reduce the impact on bats during
their late summer migration season," said Andy Linehan, wind permitting
director for Iberdrola Renewables.
The complete study is available at www.iberdrolarenewables.us/pdf/bat-study-090512.pdf.
Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Joe Truini at 330-865-6166 or
jtruini@crain.com
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