Altran: Large-scale deployment of wind energy possible

Altran has launched an innovative solution that will largely stimulate the use of wind turbines to create green energy - a breakthrough according to experts.

One of the main limitations of wind energy is that it interferes with (both commercial and military) aviation traffic. With current air traffic control systems, airports are struggling to distinguish between an aircraft and the rotating wind turbine blades. In collaboration with a consortium of experts, Altran has invented a new 3D radar that gives air traffic controllers the ability to distinguish traffic and wind turbines. According to analysts in the industry, Altran's invention will trigger a breakthrough in the use of wind energy worldwide.

The 3D radar is developed by Cambridge Consultants, a subsidiary of Altran in the United Kingdom, and is called Aveillant. The invention has been produced through extensive work with aviation and wind energy stakeholders, as wind farm developers, airport operators, the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Research has shown that in the United Kingdom alone, 66% of all wind farms - equating to 6.5 gigawatts of electricity, are delayed by this problem. The business case for Europe runs into hundreds of millions. In addition to the cost savings, the 3D radar meets all legal requirements for both aviation safety and air defence and has been designed in such a manner that it can be cost-effective even for smaller wind farms.