Promoting Renewable Energy While Protecting Bird Species

BirdLife Austria has unveiled a nationwide ornithological sensitivity map aimed at ensuring environmentally friendly planning of wind energy projects. This interactive resource illustrates areas where the expansion of wind power may conflict with the protection of endangered bird species, serving as a tool to preemptively address potential conflicts during the planning stages.

The map is available for download on the BirdLife Austria website and is intended to assist federal states in designating acceleration zones and planning individual projects with a focus on nature conservation. As Austria prepares to implement the new Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), the challenge lies in accelerating the growth of renewable energy without compromising environmental protection.

The directive aims to expedite the development of renewable energy sources, with designated acceleration zones expected to be established by February 21, 2026. BirdLife Austria emphasizes the need to balance climate protection with biodiversity conservation in this process. The newly created national 'Ornithological Sensitivity Map for Wind Power' identifies areas with significant conflict potential between wind energy use and bird conservation efforts.

Areas marked in dark red on the map are particularly sensitive, hosting wind-sensitive bird species such as the imperial eagle, red kite, and saker falcon in eastern Austria, as well as the bearded vulture, little ringed plover, and capercaillie in the Alpine region. BirdLife Austria advocates for rigorous ecological assessments before approving wind farms in these sensitive areas. Such zones should not be designated as acceleration areas where environmental impact assessments are bypassed.

The northeastern part of Austria presents a high conflict potential due to the presence of many sensitive bird species, coinciding with regions already heavily utilized for wind energy. Careful consideration is essential, and any further development in these areas must be accompanied by comprehensive mitigation and compensation measures.

In light of the upcoming establishment of acceleration zones, BirdLife Austria calls for transparent, fact-based planning that integrates conservation concerns. High-sensitivity areas should not be included as acceleration zones, and those that are designated should include extensive measures to prevent adverse effects on biodiversity. An independent, professionally coordinating body should play a central role in aligning the implementation of RED III with conservation goals.

Effective designation of acceleration zones can benefit both climate and nature conservation, offering opportunities to protect valuable habitats and avoid unnecessary conflicts. The integration of climate protection and biodiversity conservation is not only possible but necessary.

For more information and to download the ornithological sensitivity map for wind power planning, please visit BirdLife Austria's website.