Deutsche Windtechnik Switches Wind Farms to Dark at Night: Successful ADLS Retrofitting For Around 4,000 Wind Turbines

Bremen, Germany – The obligation to equip wind turbines with Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) is legally mandated and is intended to remain a key component in increasing public acceptance. By the end of 2024, the deadline for retrofitting existing wind turbines with ADLS systems will have expired.

Deutsche Windtechnik has drawn a positive conclusion regarding the success of its proprietary ADLS system. According to the service provider, approximately 4,000 onshore and offshore wind turbines have been successfully equipped with the company’s transponder-based ADLS system over the past four years.

Since September 2020, Deutsche Windtechnik has been actively installing ADLS systems in wind turbines. “In the first few years, we had to react flexibly due to the recent pandemic and political changes in Europe, such as material shortages. However, by continuously training and deploying specialised teams, we were able to plan and establish a routine, enabling us to continuously increase our installation figures – 200 ADLS systems in 2020 and over 1,000 in 2024,” says Eike Feder, ADLS project manager at Deutsche Windtechnik.

With the ADLS compliance deadline now passed, the service provider expects the ADLS business in Germany to slow significantly compared to the past four years. Going forward, the focus will primarily be on low-maintenance servicing of installed ADLS systems and equipping new wind farms with ADLS technology.

“Looking back, we can say that we were very much on schedule with our ADLS retrofits: Of the around 4,000 wind turbines equipped, 90.5% were completed on time, i.e. with activated on-demand night-time lighting. The remainder are awaiting final approval from the licensing authority or are new projects with implementation from commissioning,” summarises Martin Lassen, Sales Manager for Complementary Products & Services at Deutsche Windtechnik.

Internationally, Deutsche Windtechnik expects ADLS systems to be introduced in Austria. While legislative drafts have already been prepared, the necessary regulations are still pending. Additionally, the company has a presence in most European countries through their country units. If demand for ADLS systems arises in these markets, Deutsche Windtechnik states it is well-prepared to respond swiftly.

Source: IWR Online, 02 Apr 2025