Croatia Embraces Artificial Intelligence to Safeguard Birds in Wind Parks
By Matías Reynoso | August 3, 2025
In a pioneering move to harmonize renewable energy development with ecological preservation, Croatia is set to implement advanced artificial intelligence technology aimed at protecting birds within wind farm areas. The American tech firm Boulder Imaging has teamed up with Croatia’s leading environmental consulting company, Oikon Ltd., to introduce the IdentiFlight system—a cutting-edge, AI-powered solution designed to minimize bird collisions in wind parks.
Driving Sustainable Wind Energy in Southeastern Europe
As part of the broader ambitions under the European Green Deal, Croatia is rapidly advancing its transition toward clean, sustainable energy sources. However, this push entails stringent environmental considerations, especially for wind installations near sensitive ecological regions such as the Natura 2000 protected zones. These requirements strongly emphasize the need for robust strategies that mitigate the impact of renewable infrastructures on local biodiversity.
The collaboration between Boulder Imaging and Oikon Ltd. represents a crucial step toward addressing these challenges. By integrating the IdentiFlight system, Croatia aims to not only comply with rigorous European environmental impact assessments but also demonstrate leadership in sustainable wind energy deployment in Southeastern Europe.
How IdentiFlight Works: AI at the Forefront of Conservation
IdentiFlight leverages artificial intelligence coupled with computer vision technology to continuously monitor bird activity around wind turbines in real-time. Upon detection of potentially vulnerable bird species, the system automatically initiates turbine speed reductions or temporary shutdowns to prevent collisions.
Among the species benefiting from this technology are the Eurasian Griffon Vulture, European Honey Buzzard, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Golden Eagle, and Common Kestrel—birds of significant ecological value and conservation concern throughout the region.
Dalibor Hatić, CEO of Oikon Ltd., highlighted the importance of this innovation: “IdentiFlight is a proven solution that harmonizes energy development with nature conservation. Its arrival in Croatia and Southeastern Europe is key to ensuring that wind expansion does not compromise our natural heritage.”
Proven Impact and Future Deployment Plans
Globally, IdentiFlight technology has already been adopted across five continents, consistently delivering impressive results by reducing bird mortality rates by over 85% in monitored wind farms. Notably, it manages to achieve these conservation gains while maintaining an energy production loss below 1%, ensuring minimal disruption to wind power generation.
Croatia plans to install its first IdentiFlight systems in 2026, prioritizing deployment in sensitive migratory corridors and ecologically valuable zones. This initiative reflects a clear commitment to responsibly balancing energy production goals with the protection of biodiversity.
Don Mills, President of Boulder Imaging, expressed optimism about the partnership: “The collaboration with Oikon enhances our ability to bring conservation-driven technology to where it is most needed. Together, we are redefining the role of AI in biodiversity protection and promoting responsible wind growth in Croatia and beyond.”
A Future Where Renewable Energy and Wildlife Coexist
Croatia’s adoption of AI-powered bird protection technology marks a significant advancement in the sustainable development of renewable energy infrastructure. By embracing innovative solutions like IdentiFlight, the country is setting a valuable example of how environmental stewardship and clean energy progress can go hand in hand, safeguarding its unique wildlife while contributing to Europe’s ambitious climate goals.
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