NRG Systems has signed an agreement with Vestas to offer turnkey bat deterrent systems, complete with installation and service, for existing Vestas turbines.
The global agreement covers Vestas turbines in all regions but is initially commercially available in North America.
Production of NRG Systems’ bat deterrent system began in April 2019, following three years of field testing.
The technology, which uses ultrasound to dissuade bats from entering the rotor-swept zone of a turbine, has been adopted by renewable energy developers, including Duke Energy Renewables and DE Shaw Renewable Investments.
In addition to conserving declining bat populations, NRG’s technology can help reduce annual energy production losses associated with bat activity at wind plants.
NRG Systems president Evan Vogel said: “Vestas, the world’s largest wind energy solutions company, has made a major statement by being the first to offer our Bat Deterrent System as an upgrade for their turbines.
“This commitment illustrates their dedication to offering customers solutions that help projects co-exist with the natural environment. This technology will provide Vestas turbine owners a cost-effective means to conserve bat populations.”
NRG’s system features five acoustic panels that are installed on the nacelle of the wind turbine.
Retrofit installations take approximately half of a day per system and integrate into the wind plant’s SCADA System.
NRG and Vestas are working to maximize the number of turbine platforms the bat deterrent kit can be installed on.
Vestas fleet optimisation head Mariel Garrido said, “Introducing this innovative solution to our Vestas portfolio, is part of our ongoing commitment to provide customised solutions to meet customer needs and it also expands our solutions to combine efficient production with protection of wildlife.”