DTEK Grids shares bird protection experience at “Free Sky for Birds 2026”

DTEK Grids showcased its work to protect bird populations at the international Free Sky for Birds 2026 conference in Bratislava. The event brought together nearly 150 experts from 24 countries, all working to make energy infrastructure safer for wildlife.

Over the past year, DTEK Grids has helped protect biodiversity by relocating 120 white stork nests onto specially designed platforms. These solutions keep birds safe while allowing electricity networks to operate reliably.

Protecting nature even during wartime

Speaking at the conference, Olena Potapenko, Head of Environmental Safety at DTEK Grids, shared the company’s experience under the #EnergyWings project and spoke about the challenges of operating distribution grids during the war.

"Even in the conditions of war, we continue to work on environmentally safe grids. For us, it is important to combine reliability of power supply and responsibility towards ecosystems and communities," said Potapenko.

Sharing ideas and practical solutions

Participants also discussed global trends in bird protection, including stricter ESG reporting requirements, better data collection on bird casualties and the growing use of innovative protective equipment. New technologies, such as bird-safe crossbar designs and drone-based installation of protective devices, were also high on the agenda.

The conference programme included field visits, where the Slovak grid operator demonstrated bird-protection measures on medium and high-voltage lines, as well as artificial nesting sites. Delegations also visited the ecological site Biskupické luhy along the Danube and other protected natural sites in Hungary and Austria, where conservation projects for bustards and other species are underway.

Ukrainian experience, international recognition

DTEK Grids' participation in Free Sky for Birds 2026 shows the strong interest in Ukraine’s practical expertise on the international stage. DTEK will continue to develop new technologies, partnerships and projects that reduce the impact of energy infrastructure on wildlife and support a more sustainable energy future.