Dong Energy has trialled a new system for keeping seabird droppings off offshore wind farms at its under-construction 573MW Race Bank project off the UK east coast.
The Scaretech product is based on a traditional scarecrow concept adapted for conditions on an offshore wind farm or oil platform.
The system is designed to look like an offshore wind worker in full protective clothing.
It is manufactured from steel, flexible foam and PVC and powered by solar panels and fixed to the offshore structure.
Scaretech also emits sporadic and sensored loud noises and high intensity strobe lights which deter seabirds from landing on the structure.
The idea was developed by four wind industry experts Terry Christie, Paul Stonebanks, Alison Isbister and Patrick Armstrong following a chance incident involving a forgotten jacket.
The jacket, which had been left on an offshore wind turbine, was the only place seagulls weren’t landing on the structure.
Following the successful pilot with Dong Energy, Scaretech will now be rolled out to the global offshore market.
Scaretech Global marketing and sales director Alison Isbister said: “Previous attempts at managing the problem have proved ineffective and tend to be reactive, which is why we recognise a huge opportunity for the Scaretech product.”
Dong Energy health and safety adviser Richard Appleby said: “Guano is a huge problem for wind companies – particularly during construction phase as it can cause unacceptable delays on projects and significantly ramp up costs.
“Health and safety is an absolute priority to Dong Energy so this product provides a solution we’ve been searching for.”
Image: Dong Energy
