In Short : Six guiding principles have been established by experts to guarantee that ecosystems and biodiversity are not jeopardized during the global energy transition. In order to ensure sustainable growth without endangering the environment, these principles place a strong emphasis on striking a balance between the increase of renewable energy and ecological conservation.
Principle 1 : An integrated approach is required to identify and designate locations with minimal environmental consequences and high potential for renewable energy generation in order to accelerate the development of nature-positive energy. For example, smart siting in Croatia helps to identify property that is appropriate for solar and wind development while avoiding ecologically sensitive or culturally significant areas by integrating environmental and social data with solar and wind potential.
Principle 2 : Co-use emphasizes that sites that have already undergone modifications and the dual or multiple usage of existing structures should be given precedence. According to some estimations, there are enough of these transformed lands to supply the world’s energy needs. Brownfield sites, structures, parking lots, degraded fields, and agricultural grounds are a few examples. The image below demonstrates how solar PV and fishing are integrated in China, resulting in more effective use of land resources. The shade effect also boosts harvests by improving temperature regulation and reducing the spread of algae.
Principle 3 : By preventing detrimental effects, returning sites to their pre-installation state whenever feasible, or compensating for any inevitable loss brought on by the new installation, conserve, restore, and enhance encourages proactive planning to protect ecosystems. The UK’s largest onshore wind farm, Whitelee, has seen a massive peatland restoration project by ScottishPower Renewables, setting an industry standard. The company has also created communal areas and paths to increase public support.
Principle 4 : Ecosystems are dynamic and complicated, which is acknowledged by monitoring and adapting. Emerging signs of plant growth or wildlife movement should be addressed using adaptive management techniques and technologies. Artificial intelligence, for instance, is used in projects like Masdar’s wind farm in Uzbekistan to modify operations and safeguard raptors.
Principle 5 : The term “extend the useful life” describes actions taken by ongoing projects to prolong their anticipated life cycle and continue to provide energy without the extra environmental effects that come with new development. Efficiency and dependability can be restored by repowering the current locations with new machinery. For instance, the yearly generation more than doubled when obsolete wind turbines were replaced by Narasus Spinning Mills, an Indian enterprise that produces cotton yarn.
An overarching principle 6 : Involving local players is crucial for every project at every stage of development. The project’s long-term viability and sustainability will be aided by measures for community consultation and participation, which are necessary to garner public support and make use of local traditional and scientific knowledge. For instance, any industrial project in Sierra Leone is required by law to obtain Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). In order to reconcile popular support with technical and financial requirements, the Dutch government and TenneT collaborated to design the extension of the electrical grid through a participatory process that involved about 700 residents and stakeholders.
A more comprehensive strategy is required to match international targets on climate, biodiversity, and sustainable land management with energy development plans and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in order to foster an environment that supports the application of these principles. Effective biodiversity protections and environmental impact mitigation measures must be incorporated into all siting and permitting procedures.
Members of CLEANaction and the IRENA Coalition for Action jointly analyzed the principles. See the report for additional information on these concepts, case studies, and policy examples: Environmental siting and permitting of solar, wind, and grid infrastructure are examples of nature-positive energy principles.
