The central Chinese city of Yuanjiang in Hunan Province, nestled in the heartland of Dongting Lake, China's second-largest freshwater lake, boasts vast wetlands that serve as a crucial sanctuary for migratory birds.

While the area is a haven for avian visitors, the issue of bird-related power outages has posed challenges for power grid maintenance. In response, a dedicated team of local electrical workers has embarked on a mission to find solutions that protect the feathered residents while ensuring seamless power supply operations.

Taking a scientific approach, the crew has implemented measures such as installing bird-repelling devices and relocating nests to safer nearby locations. Xu Kaituo from the State Grid Yiyang Electric Power Company emphasized their commitment to preventing bird-related damage without harm to the avian population.

Li Jianzhi, representing the local bird protection association in Yuanjiang City, applauded the efforts, stating that the power supply company's actions aim to prevent birds nesting on power poles while prioritizing the protection of wild birds.

To date, the company has successfully installed over 2,300 bird-repelling devices across more than 80 power lines, showcasing their innovative strides in maintaining a balance between uninterrupted power supply and bird conservation.

STORY: Power company finds ways to keep lights on and birds safe in Hunan, China
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 14, 2024
DATELINE: Jan. 15, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:17
LOCATION: CHANGSHA, China
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the wetlands 
2. various of nests and the devices
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): XU KAITUO, State Grid Yiyang Electric Power Company
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LI JIANZHI, Local bird protection association in Yuanjiang City

STORYLINE:

The central Chinese city of Yuanjiang in Hunan Province lies in the hinterland of Dongting Lake, China's second-largest freshwater lake.

With a large area of wetlands, it is an important habitat for migratory birds.

However, bird-induced power outages have always been problematic for power grid maintenance work. 

To solve the problem, a crew of local electrical workers looked for ways to protect the birds while ensuring uninterrupted power supply operations, such as installing devices to repel birds and relocating the nests to a safer place nearby.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): XU KAITUO, State Grid Yiyang Electric Power Company
"Without harming the birds, we aim to prevent and minimize the damage caused by bird activities to power lines scientifically."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LI JIANZHI, Local bird protection association in Yuanjiang City
"The power supply company relocates nests on power lines, doing its utmost to prevent birds from nesting on power poles while maximally protecting wild birds."

To date, the company has installed over 2,300 bird-repelling devices on more than 80 power lines. 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Changsha, China.
(XHTV)