LMT and AS Latvenergo have launched an ambitious research project aimed at developing homegrown technology for the automatic detection and identification of birds in wind turbine farms. This solution will help reduce the risk of bird mortality while promoting sustainable wind energy development and compliance with environmental protection requirements. The project marks a significant step for Latvian innovation and nature conservation, as technology of this caliber is unprecedented in Latvia or the Baltics.
As part of the project, LMT, in collaboration with scientists, ornithologists, and Latvenergo experts, will develop a prototype combining two distinct and previously unintegrated technologies – radar and high-resolution camera capabilities. This will allow for the real-time tracking of bird location, species, and flight trajectory near wind turbines. If the system detects a collision risk, it can trigger a signal to stop the turbine, thereby safeguarding protected bird species. The project focuses on large soaring birds, primarily storks, eagles, buzzards, cranes, as well as swans and geese.
Latvia’s innovation ecosystem is growing stronger, and this project is an excellent example of how technology can help protect nature while promoting sustainable energy production. We are proud that the LMT Group, together with Latvenergo, is creating a solution of significance on both a Latvian and European scale. Similar existing solutions involve only video integration, therefore, this new approach may have significant export potential,
emphasizes Juris Binde, President of the LMT Group.The project is set to feature AI algorithms to automatically analyze video and radar data, ensuring accurate and reliable bird monitoring even at night and in poor weather conditions. This approach will substantially reduce the need for visual observations by ornithologists and help wind farm developers comply with European Union and Latvian environmental requirements. The list of detectable species will be dynamic and adaptable to each specific situation according to the recommendations of a certified ornithologist.
Mārtiņš Čakste, Chairman of the Board of AS Latvenergo, emphasizes: “Wind energy development is impossible without care for biodiversity and innovation. The wind farms developed by Latvenergo are the most modern in the Baltics, and we have always emphasized: we treat the environment in which we operate with respect. In seeking the best solutions for the synergy of nature and technology, this is an opportunity for Latvian-born innovation to protect birds and ensure the sustainability of wind farms both in our country and on an international scale.”
LMT and Latvenergo began their cooperation on this project in October 2025, and the solution – following detailed development, testing, and validation – will be completed in the second half of 2027. The total project budget exceeds 400,000 euros, a portion of which is covered by the EU Recovery Fund.
