Avian-Power Line Collision: Launch of Wire Marker Effectiveness Review

RGI launches a new research initiative on avian-power line collision to summarise scientific and industry understanding of risk factors and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.

Visual markers applied to power lines can help to attract flying birds’ attention earlier and avoid collision. Thus, grid operators apply 'wire markers' (or bird flight diverters) to lines in high-risk areas. However, with many products on the market and a multitude of factors influencing how effective markers are in reducing collisions, it can be difficult for grid operators to get an overview of what the science says regarding best practice in wire marking.

Against this background, RGI undertook a research and communication initiative and created a global overview of available research. This work has been guided by the advice and support of several experts from academia, grid operation and civil society. The purpose of this initiative is to provide a visual summary of available research on wire marker effectiveness and the factors influencing collision risk, to help inform the decision basis for collision-risk mitigation measures.

This initiative was launched in the context of the collaborative conference 'Wingspan: Partnerships for a bird-friendly energy transition'.

In case of questions, please contact Liam Innis at liam@renweables-grid.eu.

The brochure gives an abridged, user-friendly overview on the topic and available research. As size of this brochure limited the level of detail of the information it could contain, we established standards for the research studies included to ensure scientific vigour, which limited the number of wire markers featured in the brochure.

The Methodology Report provides a more comprehensive overview of:

  • Current state of research on birds' susceptibility to collision;
  • Factors influencing risk;
  • Research-based 'basic principles' for effective wire markers;
  • Important considerations for grid operators;
  • Some wire markers available on the market.

3) Study Summary Table

The Study Summary Table contains a review of 50 studies into the effectiveness of wire markers. 

4) Annex I: Translated summary of relevant German studies and guidelines

A summary of relevant studies and guidelines from the German context on wire marker effectiveness and evaluation of bird susceptibility to power line collision, which were previously not available in English.

5) Annex II - Translated 'Similarity Index' from Liesenjohann et al. (2019)

This table shows 'reference species' which can be used to evaluate the susceptibility of 'comparison species' for which no research on collision risk susceptibility is available. See Annex I for an explanation of methodology.


Contact

Liam Innis
Senior Manager - Energy Ecosystems

Load more
+49 30 2332 11015
liam[at]renewables-grid.eu

Jessica Higgins
Junior Manager - Onshore Energy and Nature

Load more
t: +49 30 2332 11049
jessica[at]renewables-grid.eu

RGI gratefully acknowledges the EU LIFE funding support:

EU LIFE funding support Logo

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the LIFE Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.