The need for cleaner energy has resulted in a burgeoning renewable energy industry in South Africa. At BirdLife South Africa we acknowledge the predicted shortfall of evergy supply versus demand. We also recognise the need to include more renewable energy in our energy mix if
The need for cleaner energy has resulted in a burgeoning renewable energy industry in South Africa. At BirdLife South Africa we acknowledge the predicted shortfall of evergy supply versus demand. We also recognise the need to include more renewable energy in our energy mix if the threat of climate change is to be reduced. BirdLife South Africa therefore supports the responsible development of a renewable energy industry in South Africa. Unfortunately, if poorly planned, renewable energy facilities can have negative impacts on birds and the environment. BirdLife South Africa is helping to minimise these impacts. BirdLife South Africa's work on Birds and Renewable Energy is funded by Investec Corporate and Institutional Banking.
Poorly located wind turbines can cause three major problems for birds:
BirdLife South Africa urges the budding wind energy industry to develop in an environmentally responsible manner. We encourage and support wind developers to:
The considered location of a wind farm is critical if the benefits of wind energy are to be maximised and the impacts on birds minimised. BirdLife South Africa and the Endangered WildLife Trust (EWT)'s Avian Wind Farm Sensitivity Map gives an indication of the geographic areas in South Africa where the establishment of wind farms is likely to have a negative impact on birds. This map is not intended as a decision-making tool and it does not replace the need for detailed impact assessment, but it can help screen possible locations for wind farms. BirdLife South Africa seeks to proactively avoid conflict between wind energy and birds. By using available information (including the Sensitivity Map) we can help developers screen sites for any obvious red flags to development.
Minimising the potential impacts of wind energy on birds requires objective, structured and scientifically rigorous impact assessment by an avifaunal specialist. BirdLife South Africa and EWT's Minimum Requirements for Avifaunal Impact Assessment for Wind Energy Facilities set the minimum requirements for impact assessment and help guide the scope of the specialist study. The requirement are in line with international best practice and are closely linked to the Best Practice Guidelines for Avian Monitoring and Impact Mitigation. To accommodate the significant seasonal variance in the presence and behaviour of some species, data should be collected over all four seasons. The length of each site visit should be informed by the sensitivity of the avifauna and the size of the development. BirdLife South Africa encourages developers and project managers to make time and financial provision for this. It is important that impact assessments consider the potential cumulative impacts on avifauna. BirdLife South Africa can assist by giving an indication of what other developments have been proposed in the ar