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.
Recognising the delicate balance between renewable energy production and nature preservation, the Kiyiköy WPP has implemented comprehensive measures to protect local wildlife. Robust Biodiversity Action Plans were developed, including continuous monitoring and targeted mitigation strategies to face the challenges related to bird and bat mortality during operation. In this context, BE was assigned to develop a Bat Mitigation Plan and to ensure compliance with ongoing environmental programs (Due Diligence).
BE conducted a three-year Bat Monitoring Program, using bat detectors attached to turbine nacelles, and by the end of 2023, proposed a long-term Bat Mitigation Plan. This plan employs a curtailment strategy, increasing turbine cut-in speeds during periods of high bat activity, which is aimed to minimise bat mortality without harming bat populations. Ongoing monitoring evaluates the effectiveness of these mitigation measures.
As an independent specialist, BE has reviewed and evaluated wildlife monitoring, conducted by local companies. Through Due Diligence, BE has contributed to improvements in bird and bat surveys, carcass searches, and bird shut-down-on-demand protocols, with the ultimate goal of assisting Kıyıköy WPP in achieving no net loss, or ideally, a net gain of bird and bat species, while maintaining its production targets.
