Vestas says it will acquire the technology assets of radar specialist OCAS AS, including its patented system designed to prevent aerial collisions while reducing light pollution from wind farms. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
The OCAS system addresses community concerns about light pollution and aviation concerns about safety by using proprietary radar technology to detect approaching aircraft and activate warning systems, the companies explain. The system immediately turns on the turbine strobe lights as a visual warning and transmits an audio warning to the pilot's VHF radio if the aircraft does not promptly change course.
The OCAS solution has been tested and approved by aviation authorities in Norway, Sweden, Canada and the U.S., and has been installed at more than 60 locations in Europe and North America, the companies note. Regulatory approval in other countries is in progress.
Upon completion of the transaction, current OCAS employees will continue within the Vestas technology research and development organization to develop and integrate OCAS' collision-avoidance system into Vestas' portfolio of wind power plant solutions.
The purchase price for the asset acquisition will not be disclosed.
