Energy savings in wind turbines through Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems

Wind energy accounts for 27% of the German electricity mix, making a significant contribution to the energy transition. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of sustainability and efficiency. One example of this is the flashing of turbines at night. Since the beginning of 2025, this should be a thing of the past, at least for the most part. The technology prescribed in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG in German), known as Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS), is responsible for this.

What is an Aircraft Detection Lighting System?

Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems ensure that the obstruction lighting of wind turbines – i.e. the nightly flashing of lights – is only activated when needed. To do this, the systems monitor the airspace and only switch on the lights when an aircraft is approaching. This not only makes the night sky clearer and darker for residents, but also saves energy.

Sustainability in numbers: How much does an ADLS system save?

The approximate savings can be calculated using the systems from Light:Guard GmbH as an example. Assuming that the lights are off about 90% of the time and that nights are 12 hours long, the result looks like this:

• Energy savings: The 800 ADL systems installed on approximately 3,500 WTGs save 750 kWh of energy daily. This adds up to 8.55 tons of CO₂ per month – a saving that corresponds to the emissions of 21 diesel-powered passenger vehicles each traveling 2,500 km per month.
  
• Self-consumption: Of course, the technology also requires energy. Self-consumption amounts to about 3.78 tons of CO₂ per month, which is about half of the energy saved. Despite this consumption, the ADL systems still have a positive balance.
  

A sustainable contribution for wind farms

The overall context of wind power shows how efficient the technology is: While the ADL systems do cause emissions, these are minimal compared to the greenhouse gases saved by wind energy. A single wind turbine saves an average of 1,500 tons of CO₂ per month – a figure that underscores the positive effect of this technology.

More than just saving energy

In addition to energy efficiency, on-demand aircraft detection lighting has another advantage: it increases public acceptance of wind energy. Less nighttime flashing means less light pollution and a better quality of life for residents.

Conclusion: Technology in the service of sustainability

Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems are an example of how modern technology can optimize the use of renewable energies. They show that progress and sustainability can go hand in hand – a win-win for the environment and for people.