Addressing Environmental Concerns Associated With Wind Energy Development

In this webinar, Cris Hein highlighted engagement activities for the environmental portfolio and discuss several projects aimed at validating cost-effective minimization measures for bats. John Yarbrough presented results on classifying biological observations from thermal video data using machine learning. This work helps provide a better understanding of the timing, conditions, and behavior of wildlife interacting with wind turbines. Eliot Quon presented on the development of atmospheric and wind power plant flow models that pair flight behavior to predict risk to golden eagles at two spatial scales. This research helps inform siting decisions as well as curtailment responses to eagle presence. Rebecca Green discussed the portfolio's stakeholder engagement efforts relative to offshore wind energy, including the U.S. Offshore Wind Synthesis of Environmental Effects Research and the Working Together to Resolve Environmental Effects of Wind Energy (WREN) Horizon Scan. Through these and other projects, NREL strives to facilitate and support the coexistence of renewable energy development and the environment.