(ORDO NEWS) — Applying a simple striped pattern to wind turbines could prevent most bird deaths from blade collisions, according to a new study.
Scientists believe that applying the paint could save endangered bird species. Increasing the contrast of wind turbines against the sky will allow birds to recognize and avoid them.
Since wind turbines have become one of the main technologies people use to achieve zero emissions, their production has skyrocketed.
However, it has been found that wind turbines often result in higher bird mortality as the birds collide with the rotating blades, reducing populations of important species.
In 2020, a major study in Norway found that painting just one blade black on each turbine was enough to reduce bird mortality by 70 percent.
Scientists have suggested that the white color of the turbines makes them less visible to humans, but the same effect extends to birds that cannot see the turbines.
If we want to reduce the collision of turbines with birds, then the blades need to be made more visible.
Building on previous research, Graham Martin of the University of Birmingham and Alex Banks of Natural England have developed a new paint scheme for wind turbines that they believe will increase their chances of being spotted by birds.
The design needed to be high contrast so it could be seen even in low light, and would create a “flicker” effect as it rotated that birds would recognize.
The design will be easy to implement, with manufacturers only needing to add a small amount of paint when creating the turbine blades.
It is important to note that while the design would be ideal in theory, it has not actually been tested yet.
The authors hope that this decision will be noticed by manufacturers and governments who want to introduce large wind farms in the near future.
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