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CEDREN innovations
CEDREN have developed several innovations and tools. Some are already applied in use. Below are three examples.
Siting of wind-power plants ConSite is a tool for
siting of powerlines and wind power plants developed in
CEDREN. ConSite combines geographical and spatial data
with stakeholder dialogue. ConSite is currently being devel-
oped for use in Lithuania through a project financed by EEA
Grants. Lithuania expects to double its wind power production
by 2020, and needs good methods to reduce the conflict
between wind energy development and biodiversity protec-
tion. ConSite will help spatial planners in Lithuania to identify
where conflicts between wind power and birds and bats are
at the lowest possible level.
Environmental design applied European hydro-
power companies are facing new environmental requirements
through the EU Water Framework Directive, the Norwegian
Biodiversity Law and the on-going revision of hydropower
licenses.
The CEDREN Handbook on environmental design in regu-
lated salmon rivers describes how to evaluate, develop and
implement measures to improve living conditions for salmon
populations in regulated rivers, while taking hydropower pro-
duction into account.
“Contributions such as the CEDREN Handbook on environ-
mental design are very important to our work” says Morten
Stickler, Statkraft. The aim is to reach win-win solutions for
both salmon and power production.
The Handbook was implemented by Statkraft in a regulated
river in northern Sweden. Today, the Handbook is a key com-
ponent for the planning of in-stream restoration measures, as
well as the work of a multi-institutional steering group of the
industry, local NGOs, municipality, and the county office.
“Common targets and actions have been established based
on the approach that the Handbook offers”, says Stickler.
“The Handbook will also be an important contribution to our
internal training regarding project development and refurbish-
ment of existing hydropower plants”.
Safe perching for eagle owls  Eagle owls use elec-
tricity pylons as hunting posts, but due to their large wingspan
they are in danger of being electrocuted. CEDREN has devel-
oped an elevated prolongation of the power-pole cross-arm,
providing safe perching. So far, 156 units have been pro-
duced by the Norwegian company EL-tjeneste AS and sold to
grid owners, among them BKK, Nordmøre Energi and Agder
Energi. According to special adviser at BKK, Kjell Skoglund,
the experience so far is good. “We have observed eagle
owls sitting on the device, and since they were installed there
have been no reports of electrocuted birds.”
Contacts: