2024
Netherlands
TenneT’s project in Wageningen, Netherlands, aims to reduce bird collisions with high-voltage lines by using drones to install Firefly wire markers. This innovative method is more environmentally friendly and cost-effective compared to traditional techniques. An important reason for TenneT to apply bird markings with drones was that this did not affect the soil stability of the ground under the connection.
Highlights
01
A pioneering first use of drones in a bird protection project in the Netherlands.
02
Reduced emissions and noise, with less disturbance to the surrounding area compared to helicopters.
03
Drone application is 20 times more cost-efficient than traditional helicopter methods.
Main Information
The high-voltage grid poses significant risks to birds, with an estimated 800,000 to 1 million birds becoming casualties annually in the Netherlands. To address this, TenneT piloted a project using drones to install Firefly wire markers on a 150 kV high-voltage line between Dodewaard and Ede. Traditionally, wire markers are installed using helicopters or cranes and climbers, which is both costly and environmentally disruptive.
This innovative pilot, conducted in partnership with Qirion and Slovak drone company FiiHaa, marked the first time drones have been used for this purpose in the Netherlands. The drones installed a new type of wire marker, known as the Firefly, over a two-kilometre stretch of the route near Wageningen. The Firefly, attached using a clamp, is at least as effective as other types of markers such as pig curls or bird flaps, with some studies showing it can reduce bird causalities by up to 90%.
This new method is not only environmentally friendly but also significantly reduces costs and disturbance to the area. Applying wire markers using helicopters is estimated to be 20 times more expensive, while also generating emissions and noise pollution. In comparison, drone application requires no heavy machinery on land, making it particularly suited for challenging terrains, such as rivers and wetlands.
The pilot project has shown promising results, with only one bird casualty recorded since the installation of the markers. If the positive trend continues, TenneT plans to implement this method in other high-risk areas. This approach offers a scalable and transferable solution for bird protection across different regions, combining the use of existing technologies with an innovative application method.
other practices
