Two of the most pressing global issues are the need to find reliable sources of clean energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and the growing urgency to protect wildlife and ecosystems. This raises the question of whether both aims are achievable. Indeed, with the spread of wind and solar farms, along with other forms of renewables, comes the need for land and for developments which may adversely impact the biodiversity of the area. However, while doubts have been raised that clean energy development and biodiversity protection can co-exist, there are emerging solutions that can allow both to flourish.
Where is the world in terms of renewable energy?
Most countries have set ambitious targets for incorporating renewables into their overall energy mix and for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), as of 2015, 164 countries had adopted one or more renewable energy targets, with 131 of these countries developing and emerging economies. Further:
- In the United States, nearly half the states (plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia) have set 100% clean energy goals, with targets ranging from 2032 to 2050.
- Japan plans for up to 60% of its energy mix to comprise renewable energy by 2050.
- Britain is aiming for 95% of the country’s electricity to be low carbon by 2030.
- The European Union’s recast Renewable Energy Directive sets a bloc-wide renewable energy target for 2030 of 32%. As of 2020, the percentage was 22.1%, which exceeded the 20% target for that year.
On a global level, the International Energy Agency has found the share of renewables reached 29% in 2020, while IRENA has forecast that 90% of electricity could come from renewables by mid-century.
Where is the world in terms of biodiversity protection?
While the global growth of renewables indicates that much of the world has made a commitment to the clean energy transition, when it comes to biodiversity protection, there is cause for alarm.
Indeed, the WWF’s Living Planet Report 2020 found significant diversity loss across the areas surveyed (Europe and Central Asia, Asia Pacific, Latin America & Caribbean, Africa and North America).
Among the findings were that the US lost three billion birds over a 50-year period; 1,677 of 15,060 European species are threatened with extinction; and over 80% of East and Southeast Asia’s wetlands are classed as threatened.
Globally, the United Nations has recognised the importance of protecting biodiversity, making “Life on Land” one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Its 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services notes that one million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction.
How does renewables development impact biodiversity?
The WWF report cites five threats to biodiversity, including land and sea use change. While this also refers to the practice of deforestation to clear land for agricultural purposes, it does highlight the conflict outlined in the introduction: How can the large-scale global development of renewable energy be reconciled with protecting the natural world?
Before discussing possible solutions, it is worth briefly looking at the specific threats to biodiversity from the main forms of renewable energy developments.
Solar: The main threats to biodiversity from the installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems can include the loss of habitat, the introduction of hazardous materials, over-use of water resources, and soil and air pollution.
Onshore wind: For onshore wind farms, potential issues include the risk of birds and bats flying into the turbines, habitat loss through displacement, and pollution (such as dust, light, noise and vibration). There might also be species avoidance, with resident wildlife avoiding the area post-development.
Offshore wind: Risks of offshore wind developments can include increased noise levels, collisions with the turbines, pollution from increased vessel traffic, and the release of contaminants from seabed sediments. There can also be changes to benthic and pelagic habitats, where bottom-dwelling and swimming organisms live, respectively.
Hydropower: Hydropower developments can cause severe damage to rivers and their surrounding environment due to the creation of the dams or weirs that are needed for the operation of the plants. These developments can also negatively impact migratory fish populations.
How can renewables and biodiversity be reconciled?
A significant amount of research has been undertaken by academia and industry into how the natural world interacts with renewable energy sites, as well as looking at the ways in which harms could be avoided and mitigated. For example:
- Research was conducted into how birds and mammals interact with wind farms in India to help operators manage and mitigate the impact caused by turbines. The researchers found the animal fatality rate was 0.26 animals per wind turbine per year.
- A report by the UK-based Solar Trade Association concluded that rather than harm the environment, solar farms can improve biodiversity when they are combined with a suitable land management plan.
- The development of innovative clean tech solutions for renewable energy generation that have positive impacts on biodiversity. These include marine life-friendly hydro turbines and pollinator-friendly solar projects, which allow extra space under the panels for grasses and wildflowers to grow.
This work is supported by the introduction of planning rules and guidelines that aim to ensure developers are aware of their obligations and the impacts of their proposed renewable energy sites.
The overall message to take from this is that while the world is transitioning away from fossil fuels, it has been recognised that this shift might have parallel, undesirable impacts on the world’s fragile habitats and species.
Therefore, if you are planning a renewables development, engaging the services of an ecological consultant early in the planning process can help you to navigate the regulations and issues in the relevant jurisdiction to ensure the site achieves its commercial aims, while protecting the biodiversity of the area.
For an initial free consultation please contact us on 01225 459564 or email enquiries@engain.com.