RGI, TB Raab, and Elia group organised in Brussels from 15 to 17 October for ‘Wingspan 2024: Partnerships for a bird-friendly energy transition’. This conference was the first in a series of biennial conferences for conservationists, scientists, grid operators, renewable developers, and government representatives to share strategies and solutions for a nature-positive energy transition. Topics designed for an international audience covered recent scientific knowledge, state-of-the-art conservation strategies, and nature-inclusive technological innovations.

With 320 online and in-person attendees, the event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders – grid operators, NGOs, renewable energy developers, academics, and authorities—from across the globe to address the urgent need for a nature-friendly energy transition. The conference featured insightful panel discussions, scientific presentations, a workshop, a poster session, and a fair showcasing bird protection devices used along power lines and wind energy infrastructure.

Key messages from the conference included:

• The LIFE Programme is a critical funding source for collaborative projects between grid operators, renewable developers, NGOs, and academic institutions, enabling effective mitigation measures and fostering innovation.
• While EU frameworks for nature protection and the deployment of renewable energy are in place, their implementation remains uneven across Member States, requiring further harmonisation.
• Risk mapping is a valuable tool for identifying areas suitable for new projects and prioritising mitigation measures along operational infrastructure.
• Robust data across all represented sectors is crucial for making informed, data-driven decisions for the acceleration of deployment of energy infrastructure.

On the first day of the conference, Wingspan featured an engaging vendor fair, showcasing technologies from around the world aimed at reducing the impact of energy infrastructure on bird populations. Exhibitors presented diverse solutions, including bird flight diverters, avian radar systems, and sensor-equipped wind turbine enhancements, all designed to protect avian species while supporting the shift to sustainable energy. Attendees had the unique opportunity to interact directly with manufacturers, gaining insights into the latest innovations in bird-friendly energy infrastructure.

List of the manufacturers present at the fair:

• Sens Of Life from France
• TE Connectivity from France, UK and Belgium
• Deák Delta Ltd from Hungary
• Power Line Sentry from USA
• Pitch Aeronautics from USA
• Balmoral Engineering from Australia
• SAPREM from Spain
• Scientias-Energy from Ireland

On the second day, a dedicated poster session showcased scientific studies, best practices, and pioneering projects exploring the interactions between power lines, wind farms, and bird populations. Participants had the chance to engage in in-depth discussions, delving into both the scientific methodologies and the practical applications of these initiatives. All posters are available for download here.

RGI also hosted a parallel workshop to discuss the “7 Principles for a Bird-Friendly Grid,” endorsed by Europe’s conservation community. This workshop featured breakout sessions where representatives from power grid operators and civil society came together to explore solutions outlined in the document and discussed ways forward. A summary of the workshop’s outcomes will be published in the coming months.

The conference concluded with a site visit coordinated by Elia and Natuurpunt, to Elia’s Noordschote substation, where attendees observed bird protection measures in action. The day ended with a tour of the beautiful Blankaert Nature Reserve, where participants had the opportunity to discuss future developments in bird protection technologies and witness firsthand the reserve’s conservation efforts to safeguard populations.

This year’s Wingspan emphasised the importance of multi-sector partnerships in ensuring a sustainable energy transition. The best practices, site visit, and connections formed during the event have laid the groundwork for a more nature-friendly approach to energy development.