Image source: Vestas

Vestas will install a single red blade on seven wind turbines at the Hollandse Kust West VI offshore wind farm in the Dutch North Sea as part of a study aimed at reducing bird collisions.

The trial is being conducted by Ecowende, a joint venture between Eneco and Shell, at the 760-megawatt offshore wind project currently under construction. The red blade design was selected after other colour options, including black and fluorescent shades, were assessed and ruled out due to concerns such as overheating and potential impacts on blade durability.

According to Ecowende, the project is intended to evaluate whether increasing blade visibility can further reduce collision risks for birds around offshore wind turbines.

“By testing a wide variety of promising innovations, Ecowende aims to prove the most effective technologies – helping to minimise the impact on birdlife while maximising renewable energy production and driving the energy transition in harmony with nature,” said Thomas Haex, wind turbine engineer at Ecowende.

The red-blade trial forms part of a broader biodiversity programme at the wind farm, which also includes turbine placement strategies, wildlife corridors, reduced-noise foundation installation methods, and habitat enhancement measures designed to support marine ecosystems.

Installation of turbines at the project is ongoing, with the first sets of blades, including the red-blade configuration, already being transported to the Netherlands.

Source: vozpopuli.com