Vestas has agreed to acquire the technology assets of radar specialist OCAS AS, including its patented system to prevent aerial collisions while significantly reducing light pollution from wind power plants. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
The OCAS system addresses community concerns about light pollution and aviation concerns about safety by using highly innovative and proprietary radar technology to detect approaching aircraft and activate warning systems. 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 and Canada and has been installed at more than 60 locations in Europe and North America. Regulatory approval in other countries is in progress.
“Vestas and our customers share a strong desire to bring the benefits of wind power to more areas while prioritizing safety, environmental and community concerns,” said Finn Strøm Madsen, President of Vestas Technology R&D. “We are excited to welcome OCAS’ experienced staff to our R&D team and look forward to working together to apply their proven technology for the benefit of Vestas customers.”
“This acquisition by industry leader Vestas is a good testimony to the unique OCAS technology, and the highly competent team behind it,” said Erik Hagen, Chairman of the Board in OCAS. “We believe this opens up great opportunities for commercializing the product on a wider scale in the wind segment, and we look forward to being a part of the Vestas team,” Shahzad Abid, CEO of OCAS adds.
Upon completion of the transaction, current OCAS employees will continue within the Vestas Technology R&D organization to develop and integrate OCAS’ collision avoidance system into Vestas’ portfolio of wind power plant solutions.
The acquisition of the OCAS assets is included in Vestas’ CAPEX expectations provided in other announcements. The purchase price for the asset acquisition will not be disclosed.