Powering The Future: How Nature-Inclusive Solar Parks Can Boost Biodiversity By 20% In The EU – Report

The report discusses how solar parks, particularly in the European Union, can contribute to both renewable energy production and biodiversity conservation. Solar photovoltaics (PV) have become one of the fastest-growing renewable energy technologies globally, playing a crucial role in meeting climate targets, including the EU’s goal of achieving 42.5% renewable energy in final energy consumption by 2030. However, while the expansion of solar energy is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is also important to ensure that this growth does not come at the cost of biodiversity. To address this, the concept of “nature-inclusive solar parks” has emerged.

Nature-inclusive solar parks are designed to integrate solar energy production with biodiversity conservation. These parks are strategically located to avoid damaging natural habitats and are designed to enhance the local ecosystem. For example, native plants are integrated into the design of these solar parks to promote biodiversity, and the parks are managed in a way that supports local flora and fauna. This approach not only helps meet energy targets but also contributes to the EU’s biodiversity goals, such as restoring 20% of degraded land and sea by 2030.

Despite the potential benefits of nature-inclusive solar parks, there are still challenges in implementing this model. One key issue is the lack of clear policies and definitions around what constitutes a nature-inclusive solar park. Currently, various terms like “biodiversity-friendly” or “nature-positive” are used, but these terms can be vague and open to interpretation. A clear definition is necessary to guide solar developers in implementing best practices that ensure a net gain in biodiversity. The report proposes a definition of nature-inclusive solar as solar parks that avoid converting protected natural areas, develop on land with low biodiversity value, and contribute to a measurable increase in local biodiversity.

The report also highlights the importance of selecting the right location for solar parks. Ideally, solar parks should be built on land that has already been degraded, such as former industrial sites or low-biodiversity agricultural land. By choosing such locations, solar developers can avoid disrupting important ecosystems and can even contribute to restoring degraded habitats. Furthermore, the design of the solar parks themselves can promote biodiversity, such as by planting native wildflowers under and around the solar panels to support pollinators like bees and butterflies.

In addition to proper siting and design, long-term management is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity benefits of nature-inclusive solar parks. This includes ongoing management of vegetation, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals like herbicides, and creating wildlife corridors to allow animals to move freely through the landscape. For example, some solar parks have introduced sheep grazing to maintain vegetation and improve soil health without the need for artificial fertilizers.

To encourage the development of nature-inclusive solar parks, the report calls for stronger policies at both the EU and national levels. One recommendation is to establish a common EU-wide definition of nature-inclusive solar, along with guidelines for developers on how to avoid and minimize biodiversity loss, and how to enhance biodiversity through restoration efforts. Another recommendation is to include biodiversity considerations in the permitting process for new solar projects so that projects that incorporate biodiversity measures are prioritized.

The report also highlights several case studies of nature-inclusive solar projects. For example, a solar park in Germany combined solar energy production with a battery storage system and implemented various measures to promote biodiversity, such as planting flowering islands to support pollinators and creating wildlife corridors. Another case study from the UK describes how the country’s new biodiversity net gain law requires solar developers to ensure a 10% increase in biodiversity on their project sites, with opportunities to sell biodiversity credits to other developers who cannot meet the requirement.

In conclusion, nature-inclusive solar parks offer a way to address both the climate and biodiversity crises simultaneously. By integrating biodiversity measures into solar energy projects, it is possible to produce renewable energy while also enhancing the local environment. However, for this model to be successful, clear policies and guidelines are needed to ensure that solar developers adopt best practices and that the biodiversity benefits of these projects are maintained over the long term.