State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company builds artificial nests to safeguard both ecology and the power grid

On March 3, construction teams from State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company completed the installation of the first batch of artificial bird nests for 2026 in the pole and tower areas along the 10 kV Zhangyao Line in Yaoji town.

Xuzhou is rich in ecological resources, and local bird populations have increased steadily in recent years. However, conflicts between bird activities and the safe operation of power lines have become increasingly prominent. Statistics show that bird-related activities account for more than 35 percent of power line faults during the spring season. Due to the limited availability of tall natural trees in the area, magpies have gradually shifted their nesting sites to power poles and towers. Nesting materials often contain metal objects such as wire and steel bars, which can fall or come into contact with electrical equipment during windy or rainy weather. This not only leads to distribution line trips and affects power supply reliability, but can also cause bird electrocution, creating a dual challenge for ecological protection and power grid operation.

To address this issue, State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company collaborated with bird conservation experts to carry out joint research, studying local bird habits and developing environmentally friendly artificial nests. The nests are constructed from anti-corrosion wood and supported by wind-resistant brackets, while maintaining a safe distance from power lines to eliminate potential safety hazards at the design stage. Each nest is also equipped with an intelligent monitoring system capable of collecting real-time data on bird roosting and nesting activities. These data provide scientific support for further optimization of nest design and the adjustment of ecological protection measures for power lines.

To overcome technical challenges during construction, the company formulated standardized installation procedures based on the diverse terrain conditions within its service area. These guidelines clearly define operational processes, safety requirements, and quality standards to ensure both installation efficiency and on-site safety. Prior to the official installation, staff conducted multiple on-site trial setups and technical adjustments, optimizing nest fixtures, installation orientation, and bird-attracting feed to ensure that the artificial nests effectively attract magpies and other birds for roosting and breeding.

So far, the first batch of eight artificial nests has been piloted in key power line areas surrounding nature reserves such as Lanshan and Taoyuan. Estimates suggest that the adoption rate of artificial nests by birds in the pilot areas will increase by about 60 percent, while power line faults caused by bird activities are expected to decrease by approximately 50 percent.