Section 45b BNatSchG — Species-Protection Simplification for Wind Turbines
With the Wind-on-Land Act (WaLG, 2022), Section 45b was inserted into the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). It standardises exclusion radii for 15 collision-prone bird species and introduces a simplified exemption procedure. This means the biggest permitting hurdle — species protection — is now regulated uniformly at the federal level.
The 15 Listed Species
| Species | Inner Exclusion Zone | Central Assessment Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Rotmilan (Red Kite) | 1,500 m | 1,500–4,000 m |
| Schwarzmilan (Black Kite) | 1,000 m | 1,000–3,500 m |
| Seeadler (White-tailed Eagle) | 3,000 m | 3,000–6,000 m |
| Fischadler (Osprey) | 1,000 m | 1,000–4,000 m |
| Schreiadler (Lesser Spotted Eagle) | 4,000 m | 4,000–6,000 m |
| Wiesenweihe (Montagu’s Harrier) | 1,000 m | 1,000–4,000 m |
| Kornweihe (Hen Harrier) | 1,000 m | 1,000–4,000 m |
| Sumpfohreule (Short-eared Owl) | 1,000 m | 1,000–4,000 m |
| Schwarzstorch (Black Stork) | 3,000 m | 3,000–10,000 m (deflection corridor) |
| Weißstorch (White Stork) | 1,000 m | 1,000–2,000 m |
| Baumfalke (Eurasian Hobby) | 1,000 m | 1,000–4,000 m |
| Wanderfalke (Peregrine Falcon) | 1,000 m | 1,000–4,000 m |
| Wespenbussard (European Honey Buzzard) | 1,000 m | 1,000–4,000 m |
| Wachtelkönig (Corncrake) | 500 m | 500–2,000 m |
| Uhu (Eurasian Eagle-Owl) | 1,000 m | 1,000–3,000 m |
Three Zones, Three Consequences
| Zone | Permit Status | Required Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Exclusion Zone | Generally not permittable | Layout adjustment or site abandonment |
| Central Assessment Zone | Killing prohibition applies; permit possible with protective measures | Anti-collision system (ABS), curtailment periods, habitat measures |
| Extended Assessment Zone | Case-by-case assessment possible | Typically no special measures required |
Anti-Collision System (ABS) as Standard Solution
Within the central assessment zone, the killing prohibition can be addressed through an anti-collision system (German: Antikollisionssystem, ABS). How it works:
- Camera or radar system monitors the airspace around the turbine
- Detects approaching birds of the listed species
- Sends a signal to the turbine control system upon critical approach
- Turbine shuts down briefly (typically 1–3 minutes)
- Restarts after the bird has left the area
Providers: BioConsult SH, Bird Vision, Sound Office, IFAO. Cost: €100,000–250,000 per turbine, typical yield loss 0.5–2 % p.a.
Simplified Exemption Procedure
Section 45b enables a faster exemption procedure than the previous process under Section 45 (7) BNatSchG:
- Standardised exclusion radii instead of regional guidelines
- “Overriding public interest” of wind energy (Section 2 EEG) recognised as a valid argument
- Habitat measures and ABS accepted as avoidance measures
- Faster authority decisions possible
Section 45b BNatSchG — Three zones, exclusion radii, anti-collision system and repowering advantage
Need a species-protection strategy for your site?
We connect you with an avifaunal consultancy experienced with Section 45b — early site assessment against the exclusion radii.
Get in touchFrequently Asked Questions
What about species outside the 15-species list?
For other species, Section 44 BNatSchG with regional guidelines still applies. The permitting authority decides on a case-by-case basis.
Who certifies the ABS system?
BfN-certified providers with their own validation process. The authority approves the system for the specific site.
How much does habitat enhancement as avoidance cost?
€20,000–80,000 per site, one-off. Examples: creating skylark plots, establishing fallow land for Short-eared Owl, providing alternative habitat for Red Kite territories.