Bird Protection Technologies for Wind Farms
Next to windfarm siting and design, the most efficient mitigating measures are anti-collision systems (ACS), otherwise called shutdown on demand (SDoD or SoD).
What is Shutdown on Demand (SDoD)?
SDoD is a mitigation strategy used at wind farms to reduce the risk of birds colliding with turbine blades. It involves temporarily stopping the rotation of wind turbines when birds that are at risk are detected approaching the danger zone around turbines. The purpose is to protect bird populations from fatal collisions.
Why is it important?
Wind farms help address climate change by generating clean energy, but they can unintentionally cause bird fatalities. SDoD allows wind farms to minimize this impact, helping balance renewable energy development with biodiversity conservation. It is seen as a key operational mitigation measure within the broader impact mitigation hierarchy, which prioritizes avoiding, minimizing, then offsetting environmental impacts.
Partnering with Global Leaders in SDoD Technology
As the regional leader in nature protection and its integration with renewable energy development, Oikon is committed to advancing solutions that protect biodiversity while enabling the transition to clean energy.
Our goal is clear: to support wind farms that are both wildlife-friendly and efficient. We believe that technology plays a key role in achieving this balance and Shutdown on Demand (SDoD) systems are the most effective tool available today to prevent bird collisions at wind farms.
After reviewing more than 20 global manufacturers of SDoD technologies, we carefully selected three leading companies that offer the most advanced, proven, and adaptable systems tailored to the needs of different sites and species.
Their systems are backed by scientific research, field validation, and/or certification process, ensuring high performance and reliability. Their technologies have already been deployed worldwide, helping developers meet environmental regulations while maintaining energy output.
At Oikon, we’re proud to offer regional access to top-tier solutions from around the World, as regional representatives in Croatia and other countries of Southeast Europe.
OUR PARTNERS
IdentiFlight® (USA)
A true 3D system that uses artificial intelligence and high-speed cameras to identify bird species in real time. IdentiFlight solution is installed on individual towers and can be spatially organised to provide optimal coverage of the protected area.
Robin Radar Systems (Netherlands)
They offer a full 360°, 3D purpose-built avian radar, tracking birds and bats over an extensive range – day or night. MAX has unique technology capable of monitoring and recording thousands of bird tracks simultaneously with industry leading accuracy due to its fastest rotation speed in the market.
ProtecBird® (Germany)
Their AVES Wind® system is a turbine-mounted solution that combines pan-tilt-zoom cameras, real-time tracking software, and AI to detect, identify bird species, calculate their 3D position, control turbine operations, and generate documentation for regulatory compliance.
Why should operators implement SDoD?
- Protects birds, especially endangered and migratory species
Helps prevent bird deaths from turbine collisions — a growing concern for regulators, lenders, and the public. - Keeps turbines running when it’s safe
Unlike fixed shutdown rules, SDoD stops turbines only when birds are at real risk — meaning less downtime and more energy produced. - Helps meet environmental laws and permit conditions
Supports compliance with local regulations, environmental authorisations, and EU nature directives — reducing legal and reputational risks. - Makes wind farms more attractive to investors and lenders
Shows proactive environmental management and reduces project risk — a key factor for green financing and ESG performance. - Builds public and stakeholder trust
Demonstrates a responsible approach to nature protection — important for community acceptance and long-term project success. - Flexible and adaptable
Can be tailored to different sites and species — with options for manual (observer-led) or automated systems, including radar and AI. - Reduces long-term risks and costs
Helps avoid future shutdown orders, fines, or delays due to wildlife impacts — saving money over the project lifespan.
What types of SDoD are there?
There are two main types:
OSDoD (Observer-led Shutdown on Demand)
- Human observers are stationed at observation points to visually monitor for target birds.
- If birds at risk are detected approaching turbines, observers communicate with control operators to shut down the turbines.
- Suitable where manual detection is reliable and provides socio-economic benefits (jobs).
ASDoD (Automated Shutdown on Demand)
- Uses technology like cameras (monoscopic, stereoscopic) and radar systems to detect birds.
- These systems automatically send shutdown commands to the turbines when necessary.
- Suitable for continuous monitoring, including at night or in low-visibility conditions.
SDoD Detection Technologies
Whether you are planning a new wind farm or upgrading an existing one, our role is to help you integrate proven bird protection systems that meet both ecological and operational goals.
Feel free to contact us at acs@oikon.hr for consultations or an offer.
Related content
ProTecBird and Oikon form Partnership to Protect Endangered Bird Species in the Western Balkans
ProTecBird and Oikon have entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen the protection of bird species in the immediate vicinity of wind farms in Croatia and other countries across the Western Balkans.
Oikon brings world-leading bird protection technologies to wind farms in Southeast Europe
Oikon now serves as the regional representative for three globally recognised bird detection and turbine control technologies.
Renewable energy in harmony with nature and the environment at ‘Dani OIE’
At Dani OIE, the largest Croatian conference on renewable energy, Oikon’s Director Dalibor Hatić participated in the panel “Development of Renewable Energy in Harmony with Nature and the Environment – Practice, Challenges, and Solutions”.
Oikon co-organiser of a workshop on sustainable offshore wind development in Australia and Europe
We co-organised the successful hybrid workshop “Data-Driven Framework for Sustainable Offshore Wind Development,” held under the sponsorship of the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (ACOWE).
Oikon and ERWC at WindEnergy Hamburg 2024
From September 24–27, Oikon participated in WindEnergy Hamburg 2024 as a member of the European Renewable Energy & Wildlife Consortium (ERWC), where we presented our consultancy services for renewable energy projects to over 40,000 participants.
European Renewable Energy & Wildlife Consortium (ERWC) established
Oikon and the partner company Supernatural are members of a newly formed European consortium to provide premier ecological research and consultancy services for renewable energy projects across the continent. The European Renewable Energy & Wildlife Consortium (ERWC) proudly brings together several of Europe’s leading ecological consultancies with extensive expertise in wind and solar energy development and its impacts on wildlife. The main goal is to enable responsible renewable energy development while protecting nature.
Reflections on CWW 2023: Challenges and Opportunities in Wind Energy and Wildlife
As the dust settles from the recent Conference on Wind energy and Wildlife impacts – CWW 2023, which we at Oikon had the honour of organising in collaboration with Supernatural, it is time to reflect on it and listen to what the experts who attended the conference had to say about it.
Participation in the 7th Conference on Wind energy and Wildlife impacts – CWW 2023
At the 7th Conference on Wind energy and Wildlife impacts – CWW 2023, held in Šibenik from September 18 to 22, 2023, Oikon’s experts actively participated through a series of presentations. The presenters at the conference were carefully selected by the Scientific Advisory Committee, who had to follow the strict rules and criteria for selection, which further emphasized the importance of this conference and the selected presenters.
Successful conclusion of the 7th Conference on Wind energy and Wildlife impacts – CWW 2023
The “7th Conference on Wind energy and Wildlife impacts – CWW 2023” concluded last week in Šibenik, Croatia, focusing on finding sustainable solutions for wind farm development. Organized by Croatian companies OIKON and Supernatural, and held under the auspices of the European Parliament and the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education, this highly significant conference brought together over 600 participants from around the world to address the responsible development of renewable energy sources with a strong emphasis on nature and environmental protection.
Action Plan for the Uptake of Offshore Renewable Energy Sources in Croatia
The expert study Action Plan for the Uptake of Offshore Renewable Energy Sources in Croatia was developed by Oikon in collaboration with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture and the Island Movement as Croatia’s first comprehensive plan on offshore renewable energy, initiated by RES Croatia and financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Croatia will host an important international scientific Conference on Wind energy and Wildlife impacts – CWW2023
Croatia will host the 7th Conference on Wind Energy and Wildlife Impacts – CWW2023, one of the largest and most important scientific conferences in the world, from September 18 to 22, 2023. The conference will bring together over 600 participants from around the world, including leading experts in the field, as well as prominent consulting companies, wind investors, developers, and representatives from government bodies, the public sector, and NGOs.
Radar technology – advanced methods of tracking birds and bats as part of the development of wind farm projects
The workshop “Radar Technology – Advanced Methods of Monitoring Birds and Bats in the Development of Wind Farms”, organized by Oikon, Robin Radar Systems, Supernatural, and RES Croatia, and held under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, introduced advanced radar methods for wildlife protection, marking the first such workshop in Croatia where the technology is not yet in use but is common in countries with developed renewable energy sectors.
Radar technology workshop – presentations and videos
The workshop “Radar technology – advanced methods of monitoring birds and bats in the development of wind farms” was held on 20th October 2021 on Brijuni Islands, Croatia discussed the development challenges of wind farm projects in Croatia and measures to mitigate adverse effects on wildlife, namely the use of radar technology.
Dalibor Hatić on renewable energy for Croatian national TV
Oikon CEO Dalibor Hatić was a guest on Croatian national television channel HRT 4 where he spoke about renewable energy sources and local Croatian communities.
OIKON member of Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia Association
OIKON has become a proud member of Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia Association (OIEH) — an economic and interest association that brings together producers of electricity from renewable sources with 80% of the total installed capacity and the only ones available in Croatia.