New Wind Energy and Bat Conservation Review identifies siting, technology and operational strategies aimed at supporting renewable energy production while minimizing impacts on bats

The Review objectively summarizes the scientific and practical knowledge gained over several decades with respect to wind energy and bats. It reviews and assesses mitigation options at all phases of project development – from siting and pre-construction activities to wind farm operation – and advises on measures to offset impacts that cannot be avoided.

The report strongly outlines an adaptive management approach, aimed at enabling wind facility operators to utilize site-appropriate techniques for minimizing wind turbine and bat interactions, and providing policymakers with the flexibility to update regulatory requirements as the industry expands, new bat monitoring and deterrence technologies emerge, and our understanding of bat species increases.

The Review was created by the global renewable energy advisory firm DNV GL in consultation with Natural Resources Solutions Inc. (NSRI), a leading provider of environmental services in Canada.

Its conclusions are based on an extensive search of published and unpublished literature from Canada, the U.S. and Europe, discussions with the developers of emerging bat deterrent technology and extensive monitoring results from operational wind energy facilities across North America.

The Wind Energy and Bat Conservation Review can be found on the CanWEA website at canwea.ca/wind-facts/wildlife/

Quotes:

“Canada’s wind energy industry is strongly committed to producing safe and clean electricity, and that includes being proactive when it comes to wildlife protection. The Wind Energy and Bat Conservation Review provides industry, policymakers and other stakeholders with a scientific and sustainable approach to supporting renewable energy production while minimizing the potential for impact on bats.” – Brandy Giannetta, CanWEA Regional Director for Ontario

“I believe this Wind Energy and Bat Conservation Review will serve as an exemplar by which reviews for other regions will be guided and assessed as we continue, on a global scale, to improve our understanding of and strategies for addressing issues related to wind energy and bats.” – Dr. Kimberly Peters Ph.D., Senior Biologist, Environmental & Permitting Services, DNV GL – Energy

“With this review we have created a single, comprehensive reference document that can be used in jurisdictions across Canada to drive sound policy decisions. By consulting with this extensive resource, the wind industry and other stakeholders will be in a much better position to make science-based decisions that ensure the best possible environmental outcomes.” – Robert Hornung, CanWEA President