System to aid permitting process for wind farms
Colorado-based AI solutions firm Boulder Imaging has partnered with Oikon, a Croatian environmental consultancy, to utilize AI to protect bird species in wind farms across Croatia and Southeastern Europe.
The partnership will support the deployment of Boulder Imaging’s IdentiFlight system. The technology combines high-performance optical systems with proprietary machine vision and AI software to protect birds from collisions with turbine blades.
The first systems are expected to be deployed in 2026, with an initial focus on sensitive migratory corridors and ecologically valuable terrain
The system can be deployed on operational sites and also those in development, accurately quantifying bird activity at prospective sites to be used during the permitting and approval process. According to Boulder Imaging, the system’s real-time bird detection and automated turbine curtailment capabilities will allow developers of wind farms to meet the strict permitting requirements mandated under the European Green Deal.
“IdentiFlight is a proven solution that aligns with our mission to harmonize development with nature conservation,” said Dalibor Hatić, general manager of Oikon Ltd. “We’re excited to bring this cutting-edge technology to Croatia and the broader Southeast European region where wind energy is expanding and biodiversity protection is critical. Our goal is to ensure that wind development can thrive without compromising our common natural heritage.”
The system has seen widespread deployment with more than 520 systems currently deployed across five continents. According to the company, it has reduced bird fatalities by over 85 percent while maintaining a power generation loss of less than one percent in wind farms.
“Partnering with Oikon Ltd. enhances our ability to deliver conservation-driven technology where it’s most needed,” said Don Mills, president and chief operating officer of Boulder Imaging. “Together, we’re advancing the role of AI in biodiversity protection and accelerating responsible wind energy growth in Croatia and beyond.”
