Climate change, biodiversity, and the solar revolution
EKOenergy focuses on renewable energy and nature conservation. Our sustainability criteria consider the impact of renewable energy production on nature. Additionally, we gather information about the relationship between the deployment of renewable energy and nature conservation and restoration. We are in regular contact with energy companies and project developers and use these contacts also to share ideas and experiences related to nature conservation.
The challenge: Climate change and biodiversity loss are interconnected global crises. Human activities have altered 75% of Earth’s land surface, leading to habitat loss and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable energy solution: Wind and solar energy are critical to mitigating climate change. Solar energy, in particular, has seen exponential growth since the 2010s and is projected to become the largest energy source by 2027.
Potential Adverse Effects of Solar Energy
Habitat loss: Large land requirements for utility-scale solar installations can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, negatively impacting wildlife and migration routes.
Wildlife mortality: Solar panels and mirrors can confuse flying animals, causing collisions or fatal burns at concentrated solar power systems.
Resource impact: High water use for cooling and cleaning in arid areas exacerbates local droughts. Soil damage due to erosion and herbicides is also significant.
Towards Biodiversity-Friendly Solar Power
Harnessing solar potential: Photovoltaic panels covering less than 1% of many countries’ total area could meet their energy needs by 2050.
Nature restoration opportunities: Solar facilities can promote biodiversity through thoughtful planning and implementation.
Proposed Measures
- Enhancing habitat connectivity: Incorporate wildlife corridors and riparian zones. Use chain-link fences with gaps for small animals and passageways for larger species. Integrate vegetation with fencing to provide additional shelter and foraging.
- Vegetation management: Sow native plants under and around panels to create habitats and prevent soil erosion.
- Habitat generation: Add bug hotels, nest boxes, ponds, and buffer zones to support diverse species. Monitor and maintain habitats periodically.
- Panel design & arrangement: Use curved panels pr place white tape around panels to reduce collision risks and also water usage. Optimize row spacing and panel angles to promote vegetation growth while preventing soil erosion.
- Expert collaboration: Engage ecologists, land managers, and policy makers early in project planning to ensure ecological compatibility.
Success Stories:
- Topaz Solar Farm (USA) installed wildlife corridors and fox-friendly fencing.
- Wilburton Solar Farm (UK) created habitats for declining species like the Brown Hare.
- Haar-Salmdolf Plant (Germany) combined native vegetation, minimal soil sealing, and habitat creation for species like the protected Green Toad.
Good to keep in mind:
Solar energy holds immense potential to combat climate change. By integrating biodiversity-friendly practices, solar installations can become pivotal in creating harmonious ecosystems while meeting global energy needs.
Published on 18 December. Text: Francisco dos Reis Silva – Photos: Pixabay, @mrganso and @FotografoAficionado
