Wind Turbine Testing in Japan Aims to Prevent Bird Strikes

In Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan, the Environment Ministry is collaborating with the Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan to test a propeller-less wind turbine as a solution to prevent bird strikes that commonly occur at traditional wind power generators. The ministry set up a smaller version of the Magnus Vertical Axis Wind Turbine at its wildlife rehabilitation facility to observe how birds react to the equipment and assess potential challenges when using it in a natural environment. This move comes after approximately 80 birds, including white-tailed eagles and Steller’s sea eagles, died from colliding with high-speed propellers on wind generators since 2000, with even higher numbers expected when considering offshore facilities.

Developed by Tokyo-based startup Challenergy Inc., the Magnus turbine operates with two cylinders rotating around a central axis at a slower speed compared to regular wind generators. The turbine, being tested in Kushiro, is one-eighth the size of a full-scale turbine and is placed in a cage at the ministry's wildlife center to monitor bird behavior. The aim is to see if the slower rotation speed of the Magnus turbine helps reduce bird strikes and potentially offers a solution to generate renewable energy in a bird-friendly manner. Keisuke Saito from the raptor institute mentioned that raptorial species can likely detect the rotating cylinders more easily than fast-moving propellers, indicating the turbine's potential to both protect birds and produce energy sustainably.

Challenergy CEO Atsushi Shimizu emphasized the advantages of the Magnus turbine over traditional propeller-type wind turbines, highlighting its slower rotation speed, reduced noise levels, and potential for improving bird safety. The Magnus turbine is currently being tested in different locations such as the Philippines and Okinawa Prefecture for feasibility in commercial use, showing promising results in areas where coexistence with nature and sustainable energy generation are crucial. Shimizu expressed determination to overcome challenges in expanding the turbine's power generation capacity and continue efforts in promoting eco-friendly energy solutions.