Riga, Latvia – A collaborative research project launched by Latvian telecommunications firm LMT and energy utility AS Latvenergo seeks to dramatically reduce bird fatalities at wind farms through the development of a novel, AI-powered detection and prevention system. The initiative, which began in October 2025, aims to provide a homegrown technological solution to a growing concern for avian wildlife as renewable energy infrastructure expands across Europe.
The project focuses on minimizing the risk to large soaring birds – including storks, eagles, buzzards, cranes, swans and geese – by combining radar and high-resolution camera technologies. This integrated approach allows for real-time tracking of bird location, species, and flight trajectory in the vicinity of wind turbines, offering a significant advancement over existing bird detection methods.
Currently, many wind farm bird protection systems rely solely on video integration. LMT and Latvenergo’s system differentiates itself by incorporating radar capabilities, enabling accurate monitoring even in challenging conditions like nighttime or poor weather. If the system detects a potential collision risk, it can automatically trigger a signal to stop the turbine, safeguarding protected species. The total project budget exceeds 400,000 euros, with funding partially provided by the EU Recovery Fund, according to project details.
AI-Driven Monitoring for Enhanced Protection
The core of the system lies in its use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to analyze the data collected from both the radar and camera components. This automated analysis will provide accurate and reliable bird monitoring, reducing the need for extensive visual observations by ornithologists. The system’s ability to adapt the list of detectable species based on recommendations from certified ornithologists ensures its effectiveness in diverse environments.
“Latvia’s innovation ecosystem is growing stronger, and this project is an excellent example of how technology can help protect nature while promoting sustainable energy production,” said Juris Binde, President of the LMT Group. “We are proud that the LMT Group, together with Latvenergo, is creating a solution of significance on both a Latvian and European scale. Similar existing solutions involve only video integration, this latest approach may have significant export potential.”
Balancing Renewable Energy with Biodiversity
Latvenergo, which is actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio, views the project as crucial to responsible wind energy development. The company recently acquired the “Pienava Wind” wind farm project, slated to add 147 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity by the first half of 2027, according to a press release.
“Wind energy development is impossible without care for biodiversity and innovation,” stated Mārtiņš Čakste, Chairman of the Board of AS Latvenergo. “The wind farms developed by Latvenergo are the most modern in the Baltics, and we have always emphasized: we treat the environment in which we operate with respect. In seeking the best solutions for the synergy of nature and technology, This represents an opportunity for Latvian-born innovation to protect birds and ensure the sustainability of wind farms both in our country and on an international scale.”
The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027, following a period of detailed development, testing, and validation. The innovative approach has already garnered attention, with LMT highlighting the unprecedented nature of the technology in Latvia and the Baltic region.
As wind energy continues to play an increasingly crucial role in global efforts to combat climate change, initiatives like this one demonstrate the potential for technological innovation to mitigate the environmental impact of renewable energy infrastructure. The successful implementation of this system could serve as a model for wind farms across Europe and beyond.
What impact will this technology have on the future of wind energy development? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
