BioImpact +: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development and Biodiversity
BioImpact+, a project by APREN – the Portuguese Association of Renewable Energies, in partnership with BE, aims to raise awareness on how the renewable energy sector, particularly photovoltaic solar power plants, can positively impact biodiversity and local development. By engaging with local communities and incorporating biodiversity-positive actions into solar power project design, BE and APREN […]
Updating Noise Curves and Zoning Plans for Airports in Brazil
BE was tasked by CCR Aeroportos with updating Noise Curves and preparing Noise Zoning Plans for 16 of their airports operating in Brazil. The project consisted of updating and validating noise contours and preparing Noise Zoning Plans for 16 airports under CCR Aeroportos. The objective was to analyse the compatibility of land use around the […]
Comprehensive Biodiversity and Bird Strike Risk Assessment at Airports in Portugal
In 2022, BE was tasked by ANA S.A. with assessing the biodiversity and bird strike risks at 10 of their airports, across mainland Portugal and Madeira and Azores islands. This comprehensive work involved a year-long sampling process using various methodologies to identify avifauna, terrestrial mammals, bats, gastropods, and flora within the airport perimeters. The work […]
Adaptative Management in Wind Energy Developments, flexible decisions towards biodiversity
The over-equipment of the Bornes Wind Power Plant is, together with the Candeeiros Wind Power Plant, another prime example on how Adaptive Management can be applied to mitigate the negative impacts of wind energy developments on biodiversity. Adaptative Management implies that the approach to biodiversity management must be a learn-by-doing process, a process where the […]
Neotropical Flying Vertebrates: A Monitoring Success Story in Mexico
The Bií Stinú Wind Farm, a 164 MW facility with 82 turbines located in Mexico’s Isthmus of Tehuantepec, is a crucial component of the country’s wind energy infrastructure. However, its location in a key migratory corridor for birds raised concerns about potential negative impacts on wildlife. Since 2018, BE has conducted a comprehensive Monitoring Program […]
Monitoring Local Fauna in Serra do Mel and São Miguel do Gostoso
Voltalia challenged BE to assess the integrated impact of all its projects on birds, bats, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, considering wind farms, solar parks, and associated infrastructures in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. We conducted a detailed analysis of the monitoring plans and their reports, identifying essential improvements for quantifying impacts. Based […]
Protecting the Lear’s Macaw at Canudos Wind Power Plant, Brazil – expansion phase
Expansion of the area originally occupied by the Canudos Wind Power Plant to the south required a detailed assessment of the collision risk between the critically endangered Lear’s macaw and the wind turbines. BE was sought by Voltalia to ensure that the operation of these future turbines would not pose a significant threat to this […]
Protecting the Lear’s Macaw at Canudos Wind Power Plant, Brazil – operation phase
During the operational phase of the Canudos Wind Power Plants, BE was tasked by Voltalia to implement a preventive Lear’s Macaw Collision Incident Contingency Plan, a Basic Environmental Plan, with specific actions for the conservation of the Lear’s macaw and initiatives focused on environmental preservation and social well-being and an Integrated Wildlife Monitoring Program, to […]
Protecting the Lear’s Macaw at Canudos Wind Power Plant, Brazil – construction phase
Canudos Wind Power Plant faced the significant challenge of safeguarding the critically endangered endemic Lear’s macaw (Anodorhynchus leari) from potential collisions with wind turbines. To address this challenge and to ensure Canudos Wind Power Plant coexistence with Lear´s macaw conservation, Voltalia sought for BE expertise in biodiversity risk assessment. A comprehensive science-based approach was implemented, […]
Mitigation strategies to safeguard birds and bats at Kiyiköy Wind Power Plant, Turkey
The Kıyıköy Wind Power Plant (WPP) is located on the Via Pontica route, an important ecological corridor along the Black Sea coast used by migratory birds and bats. With the installation of 20 new turbines in 2021, the facility was expanded from 14 to 34 wind turbines, which together have 100 MW of installed capacity. […]
