Radar reduces wind farm risk to birds

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SAN FRANCISCO, March 18 (UPI) -- Scientists at a wind energy group in California said their unique radar technology mitigates the risk of wind farms to migratory bird species.

Pattern Energy Group announced it acquired the 283-megawatt Gulf Wind Project from investment giant Babcock & Brown. The Gulf Wind project produces enough power to meet the demands of roughly 80,000 homes in Texas using 118 wind turbines.

Pattern Energy Chief Executive Officer Mike Garland said the Gulf Wind project was a "premier" facility that took advantage of the coastal wind regime.

"The project is in close proximity to transmission lines that allow for the efficient delivery of power to nearby markets," he added.

Scientists working for Pattern deployed radar technology for real-time bird mortality risk mitigation, which the company said was the first its kind in the world.

"This technology is an excellent example of Pattern's commitment to be a leader in scientific innovation and a good steward of the environment," said Garland.

The Gulf Wind project is located on the southern coast of Texas in Kenedy County.