4. The Solution - Solar energy

 

The solution was the use of solar energy at the rangers’ station. Experts calculated an electricity requirement of 1,000 to 1,600 Wh/d needed to run one refrigerator, one radio, one TV and eight bulbs as well as a fixed radio installation.   

 

In winter 2001 / 2002, despite thorough analysis of the climate data, due to too small sun radiation, power failures occurred. To assure current supply also in winter, a second generator operating independently from sun radiation had to be installed. Refitting by means of a small wind powered battery charger and with GNF support has been planned.

5. Financing

 

The costs for the 24-volt low voltage plant amounted to 10,000 Euro. Frank Seewald, an engineer from Berlin, has carried out the installation, at no charge, together with local people.

 

The Global Nature Fund asked their donors to support this project. So it was possible to provide 10,000 Euro for this project.

6. Implementation

 

We owe the concept of the solar power unit and its realisation to the engineer and honorary NABU promoter Frank Seewald. On July 7th, 2001, he left Germany for Kazhachstan with the solar equipment in his car- He needed 10 days for the 5,400 km from Germany to Kazhachstan, and had to pass 10 custom barriers. He built up the solar equipment together with locals: A sample of his diary from 22 August 2001 reads as follows:

"Tomorrow, three weeks ago, we left Germany. The day before yesterday I was able to duly hand over the equipment. Yes, in the beginning I have underestimated the whole matter. I intended to install the solar plant in about four weeks and then watch the sun shining. Far from it! The climate conditions were much rougher than expected implicating a much more rustic, complex and more expensive installation as assumed in Berlin before. It was alternately hot and cold, heavy raining with the consequence that the roads were not recognisable, and finally it started snowing."

 

In spring, after the trial period autumn / winter 2001 / 2002, the overhead transmission lines were dismantled. This measure will save thousands of birds from electrocution.

7. Interpretation of Facts

 

The problem electrocution of birds caused by tower and power line collisions was solved through the installation of a solar station. This was only possible due to the good cooperation between de lake partners (administration of the Korgalzhynski Reserve, Naturschutzbund Germany, Global Nature Fund) and the engineer Frank Seewald. Each part has contributed special abilities: The administration provided the authorisation for the realisation of the project and helped with engineers to set up the solar station and provided the necessary material in the Bazaar of the 200 km far capital of Astana. Naturschutzbund conducted conversations on the spot, succeeded in interesting the engineer Frank Seewald to carry out the conception and realisation of the power station, and Global Nature Fund provided the necessary funds.    

 

The solar power station at Lake Tengiz is the first in this province. So it was quite difficult to get the material needed. This fact has to be taken into consideration for future installations. 

8. Perspectives

 

Worldwide there are a lot of power lines in the flight corridor of migrant birds. To diminish the number of electrocuted birds, solutions have to be found. Where ever possible, solar power stations should be used to allow dismantling of dangerous overhead power lines. Underground transmission would be a good alternative.

Solar power stations are beneficial for birds and at the same time propagate the use of sustainable new technologies.

 

In spite of the propagation of nature conservation organisations to install only bird-friendly power poles, the success is very limited, so far. In many countries there are still dangerous power poles in use – this must change!

In a next project, the dangerous poles along the 40 km power supply line from Korgalzhyn to Karashar will be altered. Power lines are not the problem in this region because there is no bird flight corridor but many raptors get killed sitting on the power poles.