National Renewable Energy Laboratory Awards Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. Contract to Conduct Bat Behavior Study

Rhea-AI Summary

Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. has been awarded a contract by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to study bat behavior around wind turbines to understand the causes of bat mortalities. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the project is part of a $1.1 million research initiative. The two-year study will assess bat flight patterns and behaviors in Texas and Minnesota using advanced video technology. Findings will be shared publicly through reports and webinars, contributing to wildlife conservation efforts in renewable energy development.

Positive

• Awarded a contract from NREL to study bat behavior around wind turbines.
• Part of a $1.1 million research initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Collaboration with Wildlife Imaging Systems for advanced research.
• Contributes to wildlife conservation and renewable energy coexistence.

Negative

• None.

Work Will Support Research on Bat Mortality at Wind Turbines

SAN MARCOS, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (“Bowman”) announced it was awarded a contract by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to conduct research on how bat populations behave around wind turbines with the goal of understanding why bat mortalities occur to inform reduction strategies. With funding by the U.S. Department of Energy Wind Energy Technologies Office, the NREL Enabling Coexistence Options for Wind Energy and Wildlife (ECO Wind) program selected three companies to support the complex research project with each firm receiving a portion of a $1.1 million total research fund.

“As the global human population continues to grow, so does our need for renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy,” states Bowman’s Natural Resources Team Lead and Ecologist Dr. Sara Weaver. “Unfortunately, when it comes to wind energy development, bat mortalities are an unforeseen consequence and of particular concern. The wind energy industry recognizes the importance of these unique animals and has been working toward solutions to improve the coexistence of wildlife and wind turbines.”

NREL’s ECO Wind program is focused on protecting vulnerable wildlife species while ensuring maintainable deployment of wind energy developments. Many experts hypothesize on the causes for bat mortalities at wind turbines with most suggesting an unexplained attraction to the structures for reasons such as roosting, mating, socializing and/or foraging.

“Our understanding of these behaviors is still in its infancy and warrants further investigation through research programs like this,” added Weaver.

Bowman will be teaming with Wildlife Imaging Systems, which provides advanced computer vision and machine learning solutions for the wildlife research community, to provide a comprehensive study to characterize bat flight patterns near wind turbines and investigate how various bat species behave in different geographic regions. Utilizing thermal video footage collected at the sites, the team will compare bat behavior and collision events at wind energy facilities in Minnesota and Texas.

During the two-year study, the teams will provide regular progress reports and a final report of findings at the end of the study, which will be made publicly accessible through scientific publications and virtual webinars.

About Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (Bowman): Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Bowman is an engineering services firm delivering infrastructure solutions to customers who own, develop and maintain the built environment. With over 1,500 employees and more than 60 offices throughout the United States, Bowman provides a variety of planning, engineering, construction management, commissioning, environmental consulting, geomatics, survey, land procurement and other technical services to customers operating in a diverse set of regulated end markets. Bowman trades on the Nasdaq under the symbol BWMN. For more information, visit bowman.com or investors.bowman.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220803005992/en/

Carolyn Artman, 313.269.4729

carolyn@bowman.com

Source: Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Bowman's contract with NREL?

Bowman's contract with NREL aims to study bat behavior around wind turbines to understand and mitigate bat mortalities.

How much funding has Bowman received for the bat research project?

Bowman is part of a research project totaling $1.1 million funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

What regions will Bowman focus on in the bat behavior study?

The study will focus on bat behavior in Texas and Minnesota.

How long will the bat behavior study last?

The study is scheduled to last for two years.

What will happen to the findings of Bowman's bat research?

The findings will be shared publicly through reports and webinars at the end of the study.