We’ve all seen a row of birds perched upon a power line. Unfortunately, sometimes bird-grid interactions are not so peaceful.

Indeed, without proper planning or mitigation measures, collision and electrocution with power lines can pose a real threat to some avian species.

Thankfully, solutions exist. In this brochure, we present the issue of electrocution and collision of birds with the grid, as well as some solution strategies.

Background

One such solution strategy is our ‘Bird Portal’ project. This is a collaborative endeavour between RGI, the German branch of BirdLife (“NABU“) and 7 German grid opeators. Launched in 2017, the project seeks to improve the information basis for bird protection measures for new and existing power lines. 

An online portal allows everyone to report the finding of a dead bird to NABU where an ornithologist collects and analyses the obtained information. The project is supported by all 4 transmission system operators (TSOs – 50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT and TransnetBW) as well as 3 distribution system operators (DSOs – Bayernwerk, Netze BW, Westnetz).