The management of environmental aspects has evolved considerably in recent years. VALEMO has been able to adapt and acquire expertise in the various solutions developed for the protection of flying fauna: dynamic clamping for chiropterans, mowing clamps, bird detection systems, etc.
The prevention, reduction or compensation of the destruction of a protected species is an obligation under French law.
VALEMO’s mission is to support its Clients in the regulatory compliance of their assets and the reduction of their impact on the environment, while maintaining their economic viability..
Currently, the main solutions used in the wind energy sector to reduce the mortality of flying fauna are static flaps based on criteria (wind speed/temperature/time of day, etc.) or during agricultural work, as well as the installation of detection and scaring systems. The simplified operation of the latter is the following: when an individual is detected in a defined area around the nacelle, a regulation order is sent by the detection system to the wind turbine control system (SCADA), which gives the order to the turbine to stop. When no more bird or chiropteran activity is detected, the restart command is sent.
With a solid experience acquired over the last two years, VALEMO assists its Clients in the selection of the most suitable system according to the conditions of each site, as well as in the installation and the management of the operational issues arising from it, in coordination with the supplier. We participate in the analysis of the system’s efficiency and in the adjustment of the detection parameters.
VALEMO takes up the challenges that the implementation of these systems presents, such as the dimensioning of the Internet connection of the equipment (especially when the system is installed during the operating phase), the awareness of the system supplier to the operating constraints or the nuisance that the scaring could cause to the local residents.
Concerning static flaps, more and more prefectoral decrees plan to stop wind turbines during and after agricultural work (mowing, ploughing, harvesting) which attrcacts flying fauna to the fields. VALEMO has structured itself to be able to respond to this need and to coordinate with the farmers in the proximity of the wind turbines, the turbine manufacturer and the administration, the implementation of these operational restrictions. In the same theme, the VALEMO Supervision Centre adapts itself to ensure the management of flanges stopping the turbines during the migratory phases of certain species (e.g. grey cranes) when visibility on the park is low, by developing strong links with our local supports (park residents).
Thanks to its various solutions, VALEMO is in compliance with the regulations and can assist its clients in the various issues related to bird detection while taking into consideration the local residents.