Vestas is supporting a field study using red-coated turbine blades to examine whether increased blade visibility can reduce potential impacts on seabirds at offshore wind farms. Monitoring at several offshore wind farms in recent years has shown that collisions between seabirds and wind turbines are generally rare, as birds typically detect and avoid the rotor area. However, further research is continuing to help minimise potential impacts and support the wider deployment of offshore wind.
The study is led by Ecowende in collaboration with Waardenburg Ecology, DHI and Robin Radar Systems. Vestas is supporting the production, delivery and installation of the blades. The trial includes one red-coated 115.5-metre blade on each of seven V236-15.0 MW turbine turbines, with several blade sets already en route to the Netherlands. Following an assessment of several colour options, red was selected based on factors including durability and heat management. The study will evaluate whether the increased blade visibility influences bird avoidance behaviour.
