DES Moines, Iowa — MidAmerican Energy is expanding technology that keeps wind turbine lights off at night — unless aircraft are nearby.
The company plans to install aircraft detection lighting systems at all of its wind farms, pending Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval. The systems use radar to detect aircraft entering designated airspace around a wind farm. When aircraft are present, flashing red warning lights activate atop turbines. When skies are clear, the lights remain off.
The result: darker night skies for surrounding communities without compromising aviation safety…