Skip to content ADLS is regulated differently across countries. Learn how national rules align with global standards like FAA and ICAO
South Africa’s renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, with a strong focus on solar and wind power. As a result, strict regulations governing energy production are anticipated to ensure supply security and grid stability. At the same time, efforts aim to minimize the impact of this expansion on local communities, South Africa’s rich biodiversity, tourism, and the preservation of the country’s unique natural beauty.
Among these efforts, the reduction of avoidable light pollution is becoming an increasingly important goal, paving the way for Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS) technology. To protect South Africa’s stunning natural landscapes, ADLS is particularly expected to be implemented in rural areas, tourist destinations, and wildlife reserves.
Currently, South Africa lacks binding national regulations for ADLS. Instead, project-specific requirements are applied, following guidelines from the ICAO and FAA. The precise implementation often depends on location-specific factors, such as the local fauna and environmental conditions.
Radar-based Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems utilize radar technology to detect aircraft near wind turbines. These systems are capable of identifying all flying objects, whether or not they are equipped with transponders. They may use primary radars (PSR), secondary radars (SSR), or a combination of different technologies.
In January 2026, the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (Luftfartstilsynet) brought into force the Regulation on reporting, registration and marking of aviation obstacles (BSL E 2-1).
The regulation allows the use of demand-controlled obstacle lighting (behovsstyrt hinderlys) based on Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS), provided that the requirements set out in BSL E 2-1 §7a are met.
The objective of the regulation is to reduce unnecessary obstacle lighting and associated light emissions, while maintaining a high level of aviation safety. The regulatory framework is technology-neutral and does not prescribe specific sensor types or system architectures.
As part of the planning and approval process for wind farms in Norway, the use of behovsstyrt hinderlys is assessed within the environmental impact assessment (Konsekvensvurdering).
In this context, the central question is whether it is technically and legally feasible for the specific project to establish and operate an ADLS in compliance with BSL E 2-1 §7a.
This assessment focuses on the fundamental feasibility of meeting the regulatory requirements. It does not include system design, selection of technologies, or commercial considerations.
Assessment of the technical and legal feasibility of ADLS – BSL E 2-1 §7a
→ Download assessment structure (PDF)
The assessment structure provides a vendor- and technology-neutral framework for evaluating whether an ADLS can, in principle, be implemented in compliance with BSL E 2-1 §7a for a given wind farm.
It is intended for use in Konsekvensvurderinger and translates the regulatory requirements into assessable criteria. The assessment structure is strictly limited to the question of fundamental technical and legal feasibility.
The United Kingdom ranks as the sixth largest country globally in installed wind power capacity, boasting 28.5 GW as of 2023. In a landmark achievement, wind energy became the primary electricity source for the first time in May 2023.
Despite this significant progress, there is currently no specific legislation governing Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS) in the UK, though discussions have begun under the guidance of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)—the statutory body responsible for overseeing and regulating all aspects of civil aviation in the United Kingdom. It is anticipated that ADLS will become a relevant topic in the coming years as wind energy continues to expand.
Senture has been actively involved in supporting the pending revision of CAP 764: CAA Policy and Guidelines on Wind Turbines, adopting a technology-agnostic approach. Depending on the specific location of a wind farm, solutions based on transponders or radar systems may be suitable. While it has yet to be determined whether transponder-based or radar-based detection will be required, the implementation of ADLS in general is expected to be feasible, ensuring that the UK is prepared for safe and efficient integration of these technologies into future wind energy projects.
Lorenzo Emer
Business Development, Light:Guard GmbH
The Netherlands is a pioneer in many fields, wind energy and ADLS being no exception. After Germany, the country has been one of the early adopters, giving it the name “Naderingsdetectie”. As opposed to their eastern neighbors, Dutch wind farm operators are not obliged to equip their turbines with ADLS.
It is however, encouraged, to avoid nuisance throught light pollution for residents and raise acceptance for wind energy. Hence, provinces are being supported by subsidizing the installation of Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems.
Light:Guard has joint forces with Topwind BV, which exclusively distributes the light:guard system in the Netherlands. The system has been tested and approved by the responsible authority Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport (ILT). The most notable of many successful projects was the implementation of the light:guard-system at Windplan Groen, leading to over 97% lights-off-time.
Germany has been the pioneer in the field of Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems. With some companies operating as early as 2008, the first mandatory regulations were adopted in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG in German) in 2019. This law states the obligation for all wind turbines that measure over 100 meters in height and have been put into operation after 2005 to be equipped with a transponder-based ADLS. Since then, the deadline has been postponed four times and eventually has come into effect as of January 1, 2025.
Due to this regulation, nearly all existing wind turbines in Germany have been equipped with an ADL system and most are already dark at nighttime. If that’s not the case, operators can face harsh penalties. According to § 52 EEG, the penalty amounts to 10 euros per kilowatt of installed capacity of the system and calendar month. For a 3.5 megawatt turbine, this equates to 35,000 euros per month.
Of course, the requirement for ADLS also applies to new wind turbines. Project planners and operators must therefore have the topic of ADLS on the agenda even before the construction of a new wind farm. ADLS providers and turbine manufacturers have optimized their processes for this in recent years. Some manufacturers can deliver the ADLS components directly from the factory so that ADLS is also available when the wind farm is commissioned.
Light:Guard already monitors almost the entire German airspace and covers one seventh of the area of Germany. In these areas, new ADLS systems can be put into operation almost immediately.
If you are a project planner with upcoming wind farm projects in Germany, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to support you with our experience from over 700 wind farms equipped with the light:guard system.
Eileen Hänel
Sales Manager, Light:Guard GmbH
Felix Weiss
Business Development, Light:Guard GmbH
Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems are a fairly new technology which many countries have yet to adopt, following the success from places like Germany.
Thus, your country might not have any regulations regarding Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems. But why not be a pioneer? Contact us and we will find out if a pilot project is feasible. Like Windplan Groen in the Netherlands with over 97% lights-off-time, for example.
Find out about our offer and requirements for a pilot project in your country:
Let us help you find the right solution — request a free quote today!
We develop and deliver Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems to reduce light pollution and ensure safety
About ADLS
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Let us help you find the right solution — request a free quote today!
We develop and deliver Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems to reduce light pollution and ensure safety
About ADLS
How It Works
Company
Resources
All rights reserved. © 2025 Senture GmbH
Let us help you find the right solution — request a free quote today!
We develop and deliver Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems to reduce light pollution and ensure safety
About ADLS
How It Works
Company
Resources
All rights reserved. © 2025 Senture GmbH
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