Big data and technological innovation help us understand and minimize risk to bats from wind energy operation
Wind energy operation can pose risks for bats, although the extent of this risk is not well known. In parts of the U.S., the need to substantially reduce bat collision fatalities while minimizing power production losses represents the greatest conservation challenge for wind energy development.
Research is needed to understand more about bats and inform risk assessment and targeted strategies for minimizing risk. REWI and collaborators are developing innovative tools and approaches to better understand risk, and are evaluating technological solutions to make wind energy operation safer for bats.
Hoary Bat By Adam Searcy, Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0