20 February 2024
Online
We must transition to a renewables-based energy system to achieve complete decarbonisation by 2050. Therefore, in the coming years, Europe must strengthen and expand its electricity grid infrastructure at both the distribution and transmission levels to accommodate the growing share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix.
Introduction
Without proper planning or mitigation measures, avian collision and electrocution caused by electricity grid infrastructure could pose a significant threat to specific bird species.
To address these challenges, it is crucial to implement the mitigation hierarchy – a set of guidelines meant to help grid projects prepare for impacts and aim to achieve no net loss of biodiversity.This session also examined how electricity pricing was structured, discussing the various factors—such as consumption, time-of-use (TOU), and dynamic pricing models—that influenced costs for consumers. These models were shaped by demand patterns, generation costs, and grid conditions, all of which affected the final bill. Additionally, we explored emerging trends in electricity metering and pricing, including the increasing role of dynamic and real-time pricing, and how these changes impacted consumers in the shift toward a more decentralised and renewable-based grid.
However, additional points must be considered to establish a truly bird-friendly electricity grid:
01
Access to data on bird mortality, along with comprehensive technical details of grid infrastructure, is a fundamental prerequisite for comprehending the risks associated with existing infrastructure and inform effective mitigation strategies.
02
Consistent funding for stakeholders to actively participate and contribute to projects promoting the development of a bird-friendly grid.
03
Robust legislative frameworks at both national and European levels are imperative to safeguard bird species from collision and electrocution along infrastructure. Coordinated efforts are essential to ensure effective protection measures and promote biodiversity conservation.
Event Speakers
Baptiste Doutau
LPO Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Introduced the open-source application ‘Avifaune et Câble.’ The app aims to gather data on bird mortality along power lines, including technical details and historical grid interventions.
Marek Galis
Raptor Protection Slovakia
Presented respective project financed by the European LIFE programme to reduce bird mortality around grid infrastructure. Presented the project LIFE Danube Free Sky
Manon Quetstroey
Renewables Grid Initiative
Presented respective project financed by the European LIFE programme to reduce bird mortality around grid infrastructure. Introduced the collaborative SafeLines4Birds project.
M. Paula Delgado
Tragsatec (technical assistance to MITECO, Spanish ministry of environment)
Introduced the legislative framework in Spain, which establishes measures for the protection of birds along the grid.
Session Recording
contact
Manon Thiel (Quetstroey)
manon[at]renewables-grid.euManager – Energy and Nature
Manon Thiel (Quetstroey)
manon[at]renewables-grid.euManager – Energy and Nature
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or LIFE Programme. Neither the EU nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.