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Solar PVUnited StatesEIR-1510

Birds ignite mid-air at Nevada solar plant during tests

Jan 2015Published 28 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

MinorThermal / fire110 MW
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersLow confidence
out of service for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate
From the recordRoot cause hidden
Where
Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project near Tonopah, Nevada
Owner
SolarReserve
What
130 birds caught fire in mid-air or injured during tests
Cause
Not reported

What happened

Around 130 birds caught fire mid-air while entering an area of concentrated solar energy at the 110-megawatt solar project near Tonopah, Nevada. The birds, described as streamers due to smoke trails, were observed during tests that began on 14 January. Biologists noted the first incidents within an hour and a half of one test. The project uses thousands of mirrors to focus sunlight onto a central tower. Owners stated that mitigation measures were implemented after the incidents, reducing further fatalities in subsequent tests.

Contributing factors

Birds may have been attracted by the glow of the tower. Tests involved focusing a large number of mirrors at a point above the tower, creating intense solar flux.

Lessons learned

  1. Adjust testing procedures and mirror aiming to minimise avian exposure to concentrated solar flux.
  2. Implement mitigation measures promptly once wildlife impacts are identified.
  3. Share safety methods with similar facilities to protect wildlife during commissioning.

More lessons on worker safety and safe systems of work, design, standards and commissioning, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

  • Turbine or receiver model and age
  • Duration of downtime
  • Cost of the damage

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Source

dailymail.com

Published 2026-09-28. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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