How South Africa’s wind turbines prevent harm to birds

Molekae explained that the shutdown on demand allows wind turbines to automatically stop operating in response to technical or environmental risks

The concept of “shutdown on demand” is one the most key biodiversity mitigation strategies South Africa has seen being implemented in the wind sector.

This is according to Environmental Specialist Lerato Molekae who spoke to ESI Africa at Windaba 2025.

Molekae explained that the shutdown on demand allows wind turbines to automatically stop operating in response to technical or environmental risks (such as protecting birds from collisions), from overheating to mechanical failure, preventing damage and minimising environmental harm.

“One thing about our turbine blades is that we can’t recycle them right now, and that poses environmental challenges because we don’t yet know what to do with them. It’s still a decision we’re working through, especially since South Africa hasn’t had any wind farm decommissioning yet.”

Watch her as she explains how communities are learning to identify bird species near wind farms, helping control teams shut down turbines before collisions happen. This approach, she says, not only protects biodiversity but also gives communities a meaningful role in renewable energy operations.

Cover photo:  mila103©123rf