WORK PLAN
2021-2023
WORK PACKAGE #1
OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS FOR BIODIVERSITY IN REN’S STRUCTURES
TASK 1.1 – POWER LINE PYLONS
This task focuses on the characterization of the biodiversity associated with REN’s pylons, as well as the definition of management recommendations to increase their potential and mitigate negative impacts on the reliability of the network. It includes two main sub-tasks: (i) Evaluation of the potential usage of by bird species of conservation interest for nesting, and (ii) Evaluation of the risk of electrical faults caused by nesting birds in the pylons.
TASK 1.2 - RIGHTS-OF-WAY
In addition to utility protection and fire hazard management, power line rights-of-way (ROWs), have a high potential for promoting biodiversity and ecosystem services. This task is organized in two sub-tasks: (i) Characterization of the biodiversity potential of REN’s rights-of-way; and (ii) Definition of management guidelines for REN's rights-of-way.
TASK B.1 - ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL OF ELCTTRIC PYLONS FOR NESTING BIRDS (OTHER THAN THE WHITE STORKS)
Side-by-side with task 1.1, this task will focus on the characterization of biodiversity associated with the pylons of REN power lines, as well as management recommendations to increase their potential and mitigate negative impacts on grid reliability. It will consist of an inventory and a better understanding of the species that nest in REN line pylons (other than white storks), with a main focus on species with conservation value.
WORK PACKAGE #2
TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT APPLIED TO BIODIVERSITY
TASK 2.1 - AUTOMATIC COLLISION DETECTION
Bird mortality by collision is one of the main impacts of overhead power lines, being its quantification of this impact difficult in the field due to various environmental and methodological factors. This task consists in providing scientific support needed for the development of a system for automatic detection of bird collisions with power lines.
TASK 2.2 - EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NESTING DETERRENCE DEVICES
It is widely known the use of electric pylons by the white stork for nesting, which can in some cases lead to safety problems for birds and compromise the reliability of the transmission grid. Given the need to prevent the building of nests in hazardous locations of the pylons, this task aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two distinct systems to deter white storks from nesting on REN’s pylons.
TASK B.2 - AUTOMATIC DETECTION SYSTEM OF BIRD COLLISIONS AND POWERLINE CROSSINGS BASED ON VIDEO SYSTEMS
Side-by-side with task 2.1, first steps will be taken to develop and test an alternative system, based on video technology and/or thermal imaging, to monitor bird crossings and collisions with power lines.
TASK B.3 - ASSESSMENT OF THE DURABILITY OF DYNAMIC WIRE-MARKING DEVICES
The most recent national guidelines for transmission lines recommend the marking of earth-wires with dynamic devices (instead of spirals) in situations of greater sensitivity to birdlife. In this task the existing knowledge about the durability of dynamic anti-collision devices will be compiled and extended, especially of those with greater mobility and therefore higher malfunction rates (e.g., Firefly bird diverters).
WORK PACKAGE #3
IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
TASK 3.1 – EVALUATION OF DISPLACEMENT EFFECTS
Bird displacement is an impact still understudied in the context of power lines. This task aims to assess the existence (or not) of displacement effects caused by power lines using as a model the Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata), a species that has been the target of several compensatory programs associated with REN’s projects.
TASK B.4 - EVALUATION OF DISPLACEMENT EFFECTS ON LITLLE BUSTARD
Further studies will be carried out on the characterization of the movements and interactions of Little bustard with power lines, giving particular attention to possible displacement effects. This task will comprise: (i) analysis of abundance data and spatio-temporal use of little bustards collected in the area surrounding different REN lines; and (ii) analysis of tracking data (bio-logging) of little bustards, collected through the capture and tagging of new individuals and/or through data from previously tagged individuals under the REN Chair in Biodiversity (2015-2020).
TASK B.5 - ANALYSIS OF BIRD MORTALITY PATTERNS
This task is intended to deepen the knowledge about bird mortality (by collision) on transmission lines in Portugal, taking advantage of the effort already made within the initial period of the REN Chair in Biodiversity (2015-2020). The mortality database already created will be further explored to: (a) refine existing information on species susceptibility to collisions; (b) understand the main environmental factors and infrastructure characteristics that determine collisions with power lines; and (c) establish new reference values for expected mortality levels on transmission lines in Portugal, depending on the biogeographical area.
WORK PACKAGE #4
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AND INTERACTION WITH REN AND OTHER TSO
TASK 4.1 - SCIENTIFIC ADVICE AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER TO REN AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS
Consists of scientific support to REN, within the scope of programs for the evaluation, minimization, monitoring and compensation of impacts of transmission infrastructures. In addition, it is intended to enhance interaction with the company through the transfer of relevant knowledge obtained from the scientific activity carried out in work packages #1, 2 and 3.
TASK 4.2 - PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES OF CIGRE AND RGI
This task aims to enhance interaction with other TSO and organizations. Emphasis is given to CIGRE (https://www.cigre.org/), through participation in the activities of Groups C3.16 - Interactions between Electrical Infrastructure and Wildlife and C3.20 - Sustainable Development Goals in the Electric Power Sector. It also includes participation in the Renewables Grid Initiative (https://renewables-grid.eu/), which aims to promote interaction between companies in the electricity sector and NGOs for the development of a sustainable electricity grid.
TASK 4.3 - DISSEMINATION OF THE REN CHAIR’S ACTIVITIES
This task aims to ensure the dissemination, in the national and international context, of the activities developed by the Chair, namely through participation in scientific conferences, organization of the Chair's Symposia, among others.
TASK 4.4 - SUPPORT IN THE PREPARATION OF THE REN’S STRATEGY FOR BIODIVERSITY
Given REN's awareness of the importance of natural ecosystems and the active role it intends to play in biodiversity conservation and promotion, this line of work consists of assisting the company in the development of a Biodiversity Strategy.