Wind power: e3 IdentiFlight France, an innovative bird protection solution, chooses Nantes to set up its French subsidiary
Detecting and identifying the presence of protected species to reduce bird mortality on wind farms is the goal of the system developed by Boulder Imaging, based on technology created by its subsidiary IdentiFlight. The principle: a set of 8 wide-angle cameras capable of identifying approaching species scans the wind turbine environment 360° and detects birds in the vicinity. A high-definition camera then takes over to “recognize” the species present. When a protected species approaches, the wind turbine is stopped.
15 species already classified
Developed using artificial intelligence technology, “the strength of this solution lies in the precise classification of birds,” explains Yoann Payelleville, director of e3 IdentiFlight France. The system can differentiate between species like the red kite and the black stork, both protected and commonly found in France, as well as the white-tailed eagle. “The presence of sensitive species is often an obstacle to the development of wind farms. Our system, which minimizes downtime, allows us both to ensure the protection of birds and to optimize wind farm performance.” In the Grand Est region, the implementation of a wind project was made conditional on the use of the IdentiFlight system. Over 250 systems are currently deployed across wind farms in the United States, Australia, Uzbekistan, Germany, and France. Around fifteen protected species have already been classified by the system, a number expected to double in the coming months.
Developing a team in Nantes
One of the first European companies to take an interest in this solution, German company e3, specialized in wind farm development, partnered with the American firm to distribute the product in Germany, Austria, and France. The creation of e3 IdentiFlight France will enable coverage of the French market. It is led by Yoann Payelleville, a seasoned expert in wind energy after fifteen years at German wind turbine manufacturer Enercon. Based in Vertou, near Nantes, the French subsidiary aims to gradually expand to around ten employees within three to four years. “Close to Paris by high-speed train and attractive for its quality of life, Nantes offers all the right assets to attract profiles with expertise in wind energy development and knowledge of ornithology.”
