A European first: Elia is testing a new system using UV spotlights to make overhead power lines more visible and thereby protect birds

OUDENBURG/DE HAAN | System operator Elia has installed special ultraviolet (UV) spotlights on a high-voltage pylon along the Bruges-Slijkens overhead power line. The spotlights project UV light onto the overhead line, making it more visible to certain bird species but not to humans. The hope is that this will reduce the number of collisions between birds and overhead lines. The test is a European first and is part of the SafeLines4Birds project, a six-year project co-financed by the EU. The project will also provide additional bird markers on various lines in Belgium.

• The test is part of the European SafeLines4Birds project, which aims to reduce the number of wire-related casualties in Europe.
• In addition to 3,800 extra bird markers, the project is also funding an innovative new technique involving the installation of UV spotlights on overhead power lines to make them more visible to birds at night.
• This is the first time this technique has been tested in Europe; after Belgium, a pilot project will follow in France.
• The results are still being analysed, but they have already proven promising in the United States.

Innovative pilot project

Elia is going one step further with the SafeLines4Birds project. In its search for the most efficient way to prevent bird casualties, Elia became the first European system operator to install the Avian Collision Avoidance System in December. This system illuminates overhead lines with UV light, making them more visible at night. Birds can see the lines clearly, but the light is virtually invisible to the human eye. The system was tested on the Bruges-Slijkens (Ostend) high-voltage connection, a line that runs through an area rich in bird life and often causes wire-related casualties. Many migratory birds stop there, especially in winter. The UV light shines like a spotlight on the cable, making the line visible to birds but not to local residents. The line was monitored using thermal and visual cameras so that we could see how the birds reacted to the UV light. The pilot project ran for three months, and the results are currently being analysed in cooperation with Natuurpunt. The results from the United States have already been promising.

SafeLines4Birds

As part of SafeLines4Birds, more than 3,000 markers will also be installed on the most dangerous lines (covering more than 20 kilometres). However, such markers cannot be installed everywhere (e.g. for technical reasons). Furthermore, some markers do not work equally well for all species. New, innovative techniques will therefore also be tested. One of these techniques is the American Avian Collision Avoidance System, or ACAS for short. Research will also be conducted into how markers can be installed on power lines more quickly, safely, and cheaply. The European Commission is investing a total of €9.5 million in the project. This LIFE project is being coordinated by the French Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux [Bird Protection League]. In addition to Elia, Natuurpunt, Natagora, RGI, RTE, Enedis, E-REDES, SPEA, CIBIO-BIOPOLIS, and EDM are also participating in the project.

More information on the project: https://www.safelines4birds.eu/