This AI optical technology cuts wind turbine eagle deaths by 82% - Electrek

IdentiFlight's smart cameras, which spot birds of prey such as eagles and then halt wind turbines to protect the birds, can result in a large percentage reduction of bird deaths, according to a new study published last week in the Journal of Applied Ecology. The study, titled, "Eagle fatalities are reduced by automated curtailment of wind turbines," tested the efficacy of IdentiFlight's camera system, which detects flying objects, classifies them, and decides whether to curtail individual turbines to avoid potential collision, at Duke Energy's Top of the World Windpower Facility in Wyoming. They compared the number of eagle fatalities observed at Top of the World with those at a control site without IdentiFlight nine miles (15 km) away. There was an 82% reduction in the fatality rate at Top of the World relative to the control site. This technology therefore has the potential to lessen the conflict between wind energy and raptor conservation.