Osnabrück, January 31, 2025 — Prowind did it: The company equipped all of its wind turbines with the new, legally required demand-controlled night identification (BNK) on time. Since January 1, 2025, wind turbines with a hub height of more than 100 meters must use this innovative technology to reduce unnecessary light pollution while ensuring airspace safety.

What is BNK?

Demand-controlled night signage is an intelligent control system for the flight lighting of wind turbines. It ensures that the wind turbine night lights are only activated when airplanes are approaching in the immediate vicinity and that they are automatically switched off again as soon as the area is free. This technology is made possible by a transponder, which is installed both in the wind turbine and in the aircraft. On the one hand, light pollution is minimized, and on the other hand, flight safety is increased.

BNK obligation finally comes into force

From January 1, 2025, all operators of wind turbines with a hub height of more than 100 meters will be required to retroactively equip their turbines with BNK technology. This deadline had been postponed several times but is now finally coming into force.

Important BNK information at a glance:

1. Operators must submit an application for retrofitting to the competent state authority.
2. The obligation applies to all wind turbines that are already in operation or will soon be put into operation.
3. Installations that went into operation up to 31 December 2005 are exempted from the BNK obligation.
4. BNK technology is only mandatory for wind turbines with a hub height of more than 100 meters.
5. Failure to meet the deadline could result in fines.

Benefits for the environment and society

The introduction of BNK technology offers numerous benefits:

• Reducing light pollution: Fewer unnecessary light sources protect the environment and improve the quality of life in the area.
• Increased acceptance of wind energy: By reducing disruptive light emissions, public acceptance of wind turbines is strengthened.
• More safety in airspace: The intelligent control system ensures safe aviation without generating unnecessary light sources.

Prowind goes ahead

Since 2019, Prowind has worked intensively to adapt all wind turbines to the new BNK obligation requirements. With the last upgrade on December 18, 2024, the company is now meeting all legal requirements on time.

“We are proud that we have overcome this challenge together with our partners and suppliers. The conversion to BNK technology is a further step towards sustainable and sustainable energy generation,” explains Johannes Busmann, managing director of Prowind.

Contact for inquiries:

Prowind GmbH
Louisa Dörenkämper (Marketing and Communications)
email: doerenkaemper@prowind.de
Telephone: +49 541 600 29 622
Site: www.prowind.de