ProTecBird and Rheinmetall’s AI-Driven System Safeguards Red Kites Near Wind Turbines

ProTecBird and Rheinmetall’s AI-Driven System Safeguards Red Kites Near Wind Turbines

(IN BRIEF) ProTecBird, a German AI technology company, in collaboration with Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH, has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of their AVES Wind anti-collision system, designed to protect red kites and other protected bird species around wind turbines. The system uses advanced AI and sensor technology to detect and track birds, automatically shutting down turbines to prevent collisions. This innovative solution is seen as a significant step forward in balancing renewable energy development with wildlife conservation. The system was rigorously tested and met all required standards, marking a major milestone in environmental protection within the renewable energy sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 22-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a groundbreaking collaboration, ProTecBird, a leading German technology startup specializing in AI-driven environmental protection, and Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH have successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of their AVES Wind anti-collision system. This innovative system, designed to protect the red kite and other protected bird species around wind turbines, represents a significant milestone in balancing renewable energy development with wildlife conservation.

The AVES Wind system, developed by ProTecBird, leverages advanced AI and sensor technology originally designed by Rheinmetall for military air defense. This sophisticated technology enables the system to detect and track bird species such as the red kite, automatically shutting down wind turbines when necessary to prevent collisions. This breakthrough offers a targeted solution that replaces generalized shutdown regulations, allowing wind farm operators to implement species-specific and situational responses, thereby enhancing both the efficiency and sustainability of wind energy production.

The system was rigorously tested in Schleswig-Holstein, a leader in wind energy and environmental standards in Germany. The tests, conducted between July and September 2023, confirmed that AVES Wind meets all the requirements of the newly established testing framework for anti-collision systems, as developed by the State Office for the Environment in cooperation with various stakeholders.

Thorsten Heinzen, CEO of ProTecBird, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “Our recognition with the AVES Wind system underscores our commitment to contributing to the energy transition while protecting wildlife. This collaboration with Schleswig-Holstein’s key players was instrumental in our success.”

Rheinmetall’s expertise in air defense technology played a crucial role in adapting their software to environmental protection. Uwe Lindenau, Sales Manager at Rheinmetall Electronics, highlighted the broader implications of the technology, including potential applications in aviation to prevent bird strikes.

ProTecBird is not resting on its laurels; the company is actively expanding its technology to protect additional species, including bats, and aims to promote renewable energy use globally.

About ProTecBird:

ProTecBird is a German AI technology company dedicated to environmental protection, combining ornithological knowledge with cutting-edge technology to serve markets in renewable energy, aviation, and beyond. Founded in 2021, the company has rapidly grown from a startup to a scale-up, with a team of 17 permanent employees and 30 freelancers, positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven wildlife protection.

About ProTecBird

ProTecBird is a German AI technology company specialised in bird-related environmental protection, combining ornithological expertise with technical know-how to serve a rapidly growing market.

The technology startup was founded in Husum in November 2021 and offers innovative product solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI) for the renewable energy, aviation and industrial sectors. In 2024, ProTecBird mastered the step from start-up to a scale-up company and laid the foundations for rapid expansion with a fast-growing team of now 17 highly qualified permanent employees and 30 freelancers.

Media Contact:

Rheinmetall:
Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Press and Public Relations
Phone: +49 211 473-4748
Fax: +49 211 473-4157

ProTecBird:
Viola Heinzen
Marketing and Public Relations
Email: viola.heinzen@protecbird.com
Phone.: +49 173 4149 763

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG