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PGE and Ørsted begin monitoring birds and porpoises
Author:Mariusz Dasiewicz
PGE and Ørsted, which prepare to build Baltica 2 offshore wind farm, began monitoring birds and preparing for monitoring porpoises. The studies will allow for the collection of data on the prevalence of birds and porpoises in and around the offshore wind farm. The task is carried out by Polish companies employed by investors.
In the article
Bird monitoring, carried out by 3BIRD K.Gajko J.Ksepko Sp.j., assumes that detailed information will be obtained, among others, the density, distribution and abundance of birds broken down by species in the area under investigation.
Monitoring of porpoises will be implemented for PGE and Ørsted company MEWO S.A. Preparatory work is currently underway to begin the task – calibration and checking of equipment used during monitoring. The acoustic monitoring of the porpoise will last six months before the construction of the wind farm, and will then continue throughout the construction period. The presence of porpoises will be recorded using PHOD-type measuring tools, which allow recording of sound in the frequency band used by porpoises to communicate with each other.
In accordance with the QHSE standards adopted in the draft, all economic operators are covered by the procedure for verifying compliance with standards, which takes place, inter alia, during ship inspection. One such inspection, which was also attended by representatives of MEWO S.A., took place on 2 and 3 July in Gdynia.
Environmental research is one of the key steps in designing every offshore wind farm. They allow to accurately identify the natural resources in terms of the organisms present in the test area in order to minimise the environmental impact both during the construction and subsequent long-term operation of the wind farm. Thanks to such research, we can reconcile the operation of the offshore wind farm with the preservation of natural wealth.
Bartosz Fedurek, Chairman of the Board of PGE Baltica
Monitoring the marine environment
Environmental monitoring in the area of the future offshore wind farm is important activities in the preparatory phase of the investment, which aim to inventory selected biotic components. The study of porpoise consists of recording underwater sounds that make porpoises – so-called clicks. Each recording device, called PHOD, will be located at a depth of about 20-50 meters underwater and will record sounds for about 6-10 weeks.
Then, during the so-called voyageThis service, recorded data will be collected and transmitted for reading and analysis, and batteries in PHODs will also be exchanged if necessary. The device will then continue to work in the water tone. A final report will be drawn up at the end of the study, including an analysis of the data collected.
Sustainable development and targets in Ørsted
Green energy development must go hand in hand with the conservation of natural habitats and wildlife. In Ørsted, we set ourselves the goal of all new renewable energy projects, launched by 2030 at the latest, having a positive net impact on biodiversity. This means that not only will we avoid, minimize and compensate for any impact on nature during our projects, but we will also actively help restore and improve ecosystems. I am convinced that by putting sustainable development at the heart of our business, we will also release innovations catalysing environmental solutions in the energy sector on the Polish market and drive progress towards a low-carbon economy in balance with nature and society.
Agata Staniewska Bolesta, Managing Director of Ørsted Offshore Poland
History of ornithological research in the construction and operation of offshore wind farms
A year ago, we published an article from the "Future Competition" series on the work of an ornithologist in the construction of offshore wind farms.in which we presented the importance and methodology of this profession. Ornithologist, as an indispensable member of the design team, makes sure that technological development goes hand in hand with environmental concern, especially bird populations. Its role does not end with completion of the construction – it continues monitoring to ensure that the farm has a minimal impact on the bird environment.
The ornithologist must have adequate education, experience and technical and analytical skills. His work is to conduct field research, data analysis and cooperation with other specialists to effectively monitor and minimise the impact of offshore wind farms on birds.
Environmental studies conducted by ornithologists and the latest monitoring initiatives of birds and porpoises by PGE and Ørsted show the importance of combining modern methods with the protection of the marine environment. With these actions, we can develop renewable energy sources in a sustainable way while at the same time taking care of our natural heritage.
Source: PGE Baltica/Mariusz Dasiewicz
