Offshore wind is expected to become one of the main sources of power in Europe within two decades, and by 2030 wind energy could supply up to 24% of electricity demand. A key challenge, however, is finding the balance between the demand for rapid wind farm build-out and the need to mitigate biodiversity loss.

One of the main drivers in biodiversity loss is infrastructure development, 1 out of 5 bird species in Europe are threatened or near threatened by extinction, making biodiversity metrics even more important.

Spoor wants to make wind power nature friendly, helping industry and nature coexist. They offer clients monitoring of wildlife at offshore wind farms, eliminating human error and delivering, providing more robust data with fewer uncertainties. The digitalization facilitates compliance and reduces project risk.

Spoor’s software can detect and track birds up to 2 km away using video. Their proprietary model estimates a bird’s 3D flight path, providing insights on bird flight patterns both pre and post construction. Based on this, Spoor can detect possible collision and other flight activities near turbines, a first for offshore solutions.

With the current pressure on nature, biodiversity management and the global energy emergency, the sector is bound to see a new wave of regulations and increased pressure to monitor, measure and reduce its impact.

Spoor is currently in use in Norway and the UK, with a client list consisting of Equinor, Ørsted, Deep Wind Offshore and Cloudberry amongst others. Spoor is also planning on expanding into Europe and Asia.

If you find Spoor and their mission compelling, have a look at their website or contact them.