APREN promotes seminar dedicated to the protection of Biodiversity

The seminar included the participation of the Portuguese Environment Agency, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, Galp, WeLink, Zefiro Partners, and Bioseco, who shared experiences and case studies; it focused on SDOD (Shut-Down on Demand) systems, with proven effectiveness in preventing bird collisions with wind turbines, reinforcing the compatibility between energy transition and biodiversity.

The Portuguese Renewable Energy Association ( APREN ) brought together dozens of representatives from public entities, developers, consultants, and technology suppliers for a seminar on Shut-Down on Demand (SDOD) systems and their role in preventing bird collisions in wind farms. The initiative, supported by the environmental consultancy BioInsight, took place at Culturgest in Lisbon.

The opening session included the participation of Nuno Banza, President of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), and Maria do Carmo Figueira, Director of the Environmental Assessment Department of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), who congratulated the initiative.

Nuno Banza highlighted the importance of consensus among all parties and the pursuit of the best possible scenario, emphasizing the importance of past, present, and future technological developments in addressing the various challenges facing the sector. Maria do Carmo Figueira stressed that all stakeholders share the same objectives, established at the European level through the National Energy and Climate Plan 2030, and that continuous dialogue and collaboration are essential to achieving the energy transition, reconciling renewable projects and natural resources with technological development.

According to Susana Serôdio, Coordinator of Policies and Market Intelligence at APREN, “This seminar clearly demonstrates the maturity of the renewable energy sector in Portugal — a sector that no longer merely meets environmental requirements, but develops projects that integrate technological solutions that directly address challenges and promote coexistence between projects and the preservation of local values. Technological innovation, scientific knowledge, and practical experience are essential tools to achieve this ambition, alongside dialogue and cooperation between all: promoters, consultants, authorities, and public institutions.”

SDOD (Shut-Down on Demand) systems are effective tools for mitigating the risk of bird collisions with wind turbines, helping to prevent mortality and increase safety.

Compatibility between renewable energy production and nature conservation. These systems use optical technology and artificial intelligence to detect birds in real time and order the automatic and temporary shutdown of turbines, demonstrating that technological innovation can be a key ally in protecting biodiversity.

Throughout the meeting, entities such as Galp, WeLink, Zefiro Partners, and Bioseco shared practical experiences and case studies, reinforcing the role of technology and artificial intelligence in reducing the risk of poultry mortality and optimizing energy production.

The initiative also included a participatory workshop among stakeholders in the sector, where technical and institutional challenges were discussed and priorities were identified for integrating SDODs into broader strategies for mitigation and net biodiversity gains.

The Portuguese Renewable Energy Association (APREN) is a non-profit association, established in October 1988, with the mission of coordinating and representing the common interests of its members in promoting renewable energies in the electricity sector.

APREN works in conjunction with official bodies and other similar entities, both nationally and internationally, acting as an instrument for participation in energy and environmental policies through the exploitation and valorization of natural resources for electricity production, particularly in the areas of water, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, biogas and municipal solid waste.