Powering Africa while protecting wildlife

Use targeted mitigation. Evidence shows that wildlife impacts are often concentrated at specific turbines. This makes targeted solutions highly effective.

One of the most promising approaches is "shutdown on demand", where turbines are temporarily stopped when high-risk species approach. This can significantly reduce bird mortality with minimal impact on energy generation.

Invest in practical innovation. Simple, cost-effective measures can deliver meaningful results. Painting one turbine blade black has been shown to reduce bird collisions. In some regions, trained local observers monitor wildlife and trigger shutdowns when needed, creating jobs while protecting species.

Make infrastructure safer. Bird-safe power line design and retrofitting can dramatically reduce electrocution and collision risks, particularly for vultures.

Considering the wider ecosystem

While flying species face the greatest direct risk, wind farms also affect ground-dwelling wildlife through habitat loss, fragmentation, and disturbance.

Careful planning can minimise these impacts. Avoiding sensitive habitats and maintaining ecological connectivity helps ensure that wildlife can continue to move and thrive alongside energy infrastructure.

A smarter path forward

Wind energy will be central to Africa's low-carbon future. But clean energy must not come at the cost of biodiversity.

The evidence is clear: the most harmful impacts of wind farms are largely preventable. With smart planning and proven solutions, renewable energy can be developed in ways that protect wildlife and support communities.

The question is not whether Africa should expand wind energy. It is whether we can do it in a way that safeguards the species and ecosystems that sustain us all.