Engineering specialist EA Technology has launched a lightning protection package for wind farm operators and insurers, designed to cut claims.

It said lightning strikes accounted for almost half of all wind farm-related claims.

"Wind turbines are inherently vulnerable to lightning because of their height and location," said the company.

"The need to reduce damage will become increasingly critical as the industry expands, both in terms of the direct costs and its effect on reliability of power supplies."

EA Technology said the package included: an advance warning system for approaching storm activity; a risk assessment programme, validating insurance claims for lightning strike damage; and damage assessment services.