SPE Demands Policy Framework For Nature-Inclusive Solar Parks

European solar PV lobby association SolarPower Europe (SPE) and The Nature Conservancy want the European Union (EU) to introduce a new, cross-industrial policy framework to ensure biodiversity considerations are integrated within the design of solar energy projects going forward. 

Calling such projects nature-inclusive solar parks, a new policy paper from the duo wants the bloc to introduce a new, cross-sectorial EU policy framework. Such a framework will not only provide a clear definition of the same, but also establish standardized practices across the region as more such projects are planned here. 

The use of terms such as ‘biodiversity-friendly’ and ‘nature-positive’ for solar power plants in most existing policy frameworks in the EU leaves significant room for interpretation for renewable energy project developers.  

According to SPE, only 0.3% of the EU’s total land would be needed for current and future solar projects, which necessitates a clear framework for their siting and design. Such a framework for nature-inclusive solar parks can significantly contribute to the EU’s ambitious Nature Restoration Law, the writers add, that aims to restore at least 20% of degraded land and sea by 2030, and all degraded ecosystems by 2050. 

The paper defines a nature-inclusive solar park as one that follows the mitigation hierarchy – by avoiding the conversion of protected nature areas, rather developing on land with low-biodiversity value – and contributes to biodiversity net gain, by managing the land to create a net increase in native biodiversity relative to the assessed level prior to solar development. 

In other words, the writers offer the following pointers for a nature-inclusive solar park: 

• planting native wildflower meadows to support pollinator biodiversity and native trees 

• creating bird nesting and breeding places with bird boxes and water habitats 

• installing solar modules at a sufficient height from the vegetation 

• ensuring appropriate space between PV module rows 

• creating green corridors within the project boundaries 

• integrating local communities by creating cycling and walking paths around the park, and 

• creating hedgerows and field margins around the PV plant. 

To scale up their development and incentivize the same, the writers offer policy recommendations such as a robust monitoring evaluation framework, developing legal requirements, enhancing integration into local legal frameworks and spatial planning, and stimulating further research. 

“With this report, we explore how solar can contribute to protecting and restoring nature and the policy and financial incentives needed in order to scale up such projects,” said the Head of Climate Policy Europe for The Nature Conservancy, Rebecca Humphries. “Policymakers now have a window of opportunity to use existing frameworks, such as the Nature Restoration Law or non-price criteria, as well as develop further tools to put in place credible definitions and indicators, in order to drive more investment into solar parks that protect and restore nature.” 

The paper is available for free download on SPE’s website.