AXIA Energia balances bird protection and power system safety

AXIA Energia has implemented a project to balance the protection of wild birds with the safety of transmission lines in Brazil’s Northeast. Launched in 2024, the pilot project adopts solutions to enable coexistence with caracaras (Caracara plancus), which use transmission towers as observation points and nesting sites.

The project was developed following power outages associated with the presence of birds on transmission structures. Led by the Environment, Operations and Maintenance teams, the initiative aims to preserve the birds’ life cycle while maintaining power system reliability.

Pilot project in Alagoas

The first phase was implemented on 20 towers along the 230 kV Rio Largo II–Arapiraca III transmission line in Alagoas. The structures were selected based on criteria including recurring outages caused by the presence of birds, accessibility and proximity to the Rio Largo Substation.

Half of the towers received specific interventions, while the remaining structures were maintained as a control group to compare results.

Bird deterrent devices and spikes were installed at critical points on the selected structures, along with artificial nesting platforms. These measures are designed to discourage nest building in high-risk areas while providing safer alternative nesting sites.

Monthly monitoring and the use of cameras made it possible to observe caracara behavior and adjust the strategies accordingly.

“The project was designed to address an Operations need to reduce impacts on the power system while preserving the birds’ life cycle. Based on the positive results, the resulting model will be replicated across the company’s other assets,” says Jader Fernandes de Jesus, Director of Environmental Licensing and Conditions at AXIA Energia.

Caracaras adopt artificial nesting platforms

Monitoring showed that the birds accepted the artificial platforms. In one case, a nest built in a critical position, at a minimum distance from the high-voltage line, was relocated to an artificial structure installed in a safe location on the same tower.

The pair of caracaras naturally continued their reproductive cycle at the new location, including egg laying, chick development and fledging, with no impact on transmission line operations.

Nest management is carried out quickly and safely at a strategic time, while the birds are away, with no interaction between people and the animals.

The experience showed that nest relocation, when carried out using appropriate technical procedures and at the right time, can help balance wildlife protection with power system safety.

AXIA Energia has also introduced regular inspections together with the maintenance team. This approach enables nests to be identified at an early stage of construction, allowing the Environment team to carry out the necessary management and relocate the caracaras’ nesting site.

Sustainable solution

The artificial platforms consist of baskets made from natural vines, a biodegradable material with a low environmental impact. The material provides mechanical strength and resistance to weather conditions, thermal comfort and characteristics similar to the natural structures used by the birds.

The baskets were also purchased from suppliers in the region, supporting local craftsmanship and traditional knowledge.
Project to be expanded across Brazil’s Northeast

Following the results of the pilot project, AXIA Energia approved the expansion of the initiative to other assets in Brazil’s Northeast. Further actions are planned in Alagoas, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará.

The company also plans to test alternative materials, improve deterrent devices and expand the use of monitoring technologies. The solution is expected to be applied to other species in different regions of the country.