Land Development: the Challenges of Resources and Availability
In the boundless expanse of the renewable energy frontier, the challenge to find the perfect balance to land development echoes through the valleys and soars over the plains. Where can I build my project?
In this article, we explore the diverse types of land required for various renewable energy projects, topographical studies, zoning restrictions, conservation laws, rewilding initiatives, and the crucial decisions surrounding land acquisition.
Identifying Land
Solar Energy
Solar energy projects require areas of land that have high PV potential, with direct exposure to sunlight for efficient electricity generation. While sunlight is abundant, suitable land for solar farms can be expensive due to various factors.
Competition for locations with high irradiation levels, proximity to existing infrastructure (which can reduce transmission costs), and the potential agricultural value of the land all contribute to the costliness of securing the right solar energy site. Global Solar Atlas is a great tool to evaluate the solar PV potential of particular regions.
Wind Energy
Wind power plants require locations with consistent wind patterns. These locations may encompass farmlands or rural areas and often wind turbines will be placed in regions that induce natural wind tunnels. The primary reason for this specific land requirement is the need for wind turbines to have unobstructed access to the wind’s kinetic energy. Open spaces with strong and consistent wind currents are vital for optimal energy harnessing.
Typically, wind energy projects are less disruptive to activities on the ground, like crop farming and livestock grazing. However, wind plants have faced opposition due to aesthetic concerns related to the appearance of wind turbines and environmental concerns about their potential impact on bird populations and local ecosystems. You can assess a region’s wind energy potential on Global Wind Atlas.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal power plants have the least stringent surface land requirements. They rely on geologically active areas with underground heat sources. These areas often feature hot springs or other visible geothermal activity. The reason behind this specific need is that geothermal plants tap into the Earth’s internal heat reservoirs.
To access high-temperature underground reservoirs efficiently, geothermal sites must be geologically active. Identifying suitable areas for geothermal energy projects often necessitates complex geological surveys.
Energy from Waste (EfW)
EfW facilities, which convert waste into energy, are typically located closer to urban centers, often in proximity to waste sources.
These plants utilise waste streams as a fuel source for energy generation. The rationale behind this location choice is twofold. First, being near urban centres reduces the transportation cost of waste materials. Second, land costs can vary significantly based on how close the facility is to waste sources. Additionally, regulatory factors and zoning restrictions play a pivotal role in determining suitable EfW facility locations.
Hydropower
Land for these power plants is strategically situated near rivers, streams, or other water bodies. These projects require the construction of dams and reservoirs that aim to harness the kinetic energy of flowing water.
Land acquisition processes for hydropower projects can be intricate, often involving negotiations with environmental groups and local communities. Hydropower land development can impact the flow of water within ecosystems, changing how animals migrate, access food and . Understanding these specific land requirements and the underlying reasons behind them is essential when identifying, securing, and developing land for renewable energy projects, ensuring their efficiency and compliance with environmental regulations.
Zoning Restrictions
Zoning restrictions are legal regulations that play a fundamental role in managing land use for renewable energy projects. It encompasses various aspects, including setback requirements, height limits, and noise restrictions.
Setback requirements are a crucial component of zoning restrictions. They define the minimum distance that renewable energy structures must maintain from property lines, roads, or other existing structures.
The primary objective of setback requirements is to ensure safety, prevent overcrowding, and maintain the visual aesthetics of the surrounding area. For example, wind turbines require adequate spacing to reduce noise levels and minimise potential safety hazards.
Height limits are another key aspect of zoning restrictions. These limits determine the maximum allowable height for renewable energy structures within designated zones. They serve the purpose of preserving aesthetics, particularly in scenic or residential areas.
Height restrictions prevent structures like flue stacks, wind turbines or solar arrays from dominating the landscape, ensuring that they do not obstruct views and negatively impact the surroundings.
Noise restrictions, as part of zoning regulations, address the sound generated by renewable energy installations, such as wind turbines. These restrictions establish acceptable noise levels during both daytime and nighttime hours. The aim is to minimise disruptions to nearby communities while allowing for sustainable energy generation.
Social and Community Concerns
Acquiring land for renewable energy requires balancing development with community well-being.
The Belo Monte Dam – formerly known as Kararaô – in Brazil faced opposition due to displacement of indigenous communities. In 1989, the government’s lack of transparency led to the “Altamira Gathering.” Indigenous leader Tuíra’s symbolic act against engineer José Antonio Muniz Lopes sparked global concern: she waved a machete right in his face. As a result, five dams were removed from planning, and Kararaô was renamed Belo Monte at the tribe’s request.
Developers must address concerns transparently. Long-term considerations involve job creation and equitable distribution of economic benefits. Embracing a socially responsible approach is crucial for renewable energy acceptance. Other past incidents, like protests against Chile’s HidroAysén dam and the Dakota Access Pipeline, underscore the importance of social considerations and the need for respecting land’s cultural heritage.
Such social scrutiny can halt projects – and rightly so – emphasising the integral link between ethical practices and renewable energy success.
Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs)
One action developers take to address relocating communities is formulating a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). This is a detailed plan prepared by a developer or property owner to address the relocation needs of residents and businesses.
The plan outlines the steps taken to notify and consult affected parties, assess the impact of the development, and provide alternative housing, financial assistance, and other support measures. The RAP helps ensure that the development process is carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner, and that the rights of affected parties are protected.
Conservation Laws
Conservation laws, exemplified by the U.S. Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act (passed in 1972), play a pivotal role in renewable energy development.
These laws necessitate developers to assess and mitigate their projects’ potential impact on endangered species and marine ecosystems, such as humpback whales. The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) is a critical piece of legislation in the United States that comes into play in such cases.
Compliance with conservation laws is vital to ensure responsible and sustainable energy development. European regions have their own unique conservation regulations, such as the Habitats Directive, emphasizing the importance of considering local legal frameworks when identifying and leasing land for renewable projects.
Rewilding Initiatives
Rewilding is gaining prominence as a way for renewable energy projects to address negative environmental impacts.
The process aims to restore and enhancing biodiversity in areas affected by human development. This approach typically involves activities such as reintroducing native wildlife species, extensive replanting of indigenous vegetation, and land reclamation following project construction.
NGOs, such as Rewilding Britain, are creating organization networks and project databases that developers can access for consultation on how to rewild developed land. As of 2023, Rewilding Britain has rewilded over a 150,000 hectares of land in the UK.
In 2022, Ørsted and ARK Nature announced a partnership to improve marine ecosystems around offshore wind turbines. As one of the largest wind developers, Ørsted is able to deploy wide scale rewilding initiatives and even invest in new technologies to rewild the ocean floor – such as 3D-printed ocean reefs.
Rewilding underscores the evolving synergy between renewable energy development and conservation. Proactively integrating restoration efforts into project planning and execution mitigates ecological footprint, ultimately advancing a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with the environment.
Horror Stories in Land Conservation
In some instances, renewable energy development has clashed with conservation efforts.
A notable example is the Ivanpah in California’s Mojave Desert. This massive solar CSP facility disrupted the habitat of the desert tortoise, leading to extensive legal battles and increased project costs. The project has now opened the Ivanpah Desert Tortoise Research Facility to protect the species and increase visibility of ecological issues.
Another solar plant which is facing ongoing conservation issues is Pavagada Solar Park in India. The impact of building a vast 2,050 MW solar plant upon fertile agricultural land has been severe. Farmers in surrounding areas must travel extreme distances from the plant to graze livestock. Surrounding land has been depleted of minerals necessary for crop growth. Because of the extreme scale of the park, Pavagada’s disrupted ecosystem will take decades of conservation to resolve.
Securing Land and Financing
Identifying suitable land is an early and critical step in renewable energy projects. Some developers secure land leases before obtaining financing to demonstrate project viability, while others secure land after financing to reduce upfront costs. The choice often depends on the developer’s strategy and the local real estate market, alongside the laws pertaining to property ownership in certain countries.
Property Ownership for Citizens Only
Each country has their own rules on whether non-citizens (i.e. foreigners) can purchase and own land.
In Spain, France and Italy, there are no restrictions on property ownership for foreigners. In Poland, foreigners are able to purchase up to 1 acre of urban land or 2.5 acres of rural land – as long as they have received permission from the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. Foreigners in Romania can buy land but cannot inherit land directly unless it’s held in a company.
Financing for Land
Alongside land estate agents and direct purchase, companies exist that can help you purchase and finance the acreage you need for your project. For example, Electric Land acquire land around the UK, scope the local regulation and ensure permits are in place or possible, and then lease the land to energy operators.
To delve deeper into the intricacies of securing financing for renewable energy projects and gain valuable insights into optimizing your project’s financial structure, we invite you to explore our recent article.
Land Studies
Topographical, geotechnical and hydrological studies (or surveys) are comprehensive assessments of the physical characteristics of a site, providing detailed information about its terrain, natural features, and man-made structures.
These studies are indispensable for renewable energy developers as they offer a comprehensive understanding of the landscape, which is essential for effective project design, permitting, and construction.
Topographical
Topographical surveys are typically conducted using advanced surveying technologies like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), GPS (Global Positioning System), and aerial photography. These methods ensure high precision and detailed mapping of the site’s features.
Geotechnical
Geotechnical studies look at the composition and stability of the ground. Soil and rock samples are analysed to determine their mechanical and thermal properties, providing insights into the site’s foundation conditions.
The results of the study aid the design and engineering of foundations so they can withstand environmental forces, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the infrastructure.
Geotechnical studies also contribute to risk assessment, helping developers anticipate challenges related to soil stability and seismic activity.
Hydrological
Hydrological studies focus on water-related aspects of a site, including analysis of water bodies, drainage patterns, and potential flooding risks.
Employing tools like remote sensing, hydrological modelling, and groundwater analysis, developers gain critical insights into the site’s hydrology, enabling them to optimise project designs, anticipate environmental challenges, and enhance overall resilience.
The significance of hydrological studies extends to offshore renewable energy projects, including wind and tidal energy initiatives. For offshore wind farms, seabed analysis, tidal currents, and wave patterns are considered, ensuring stable turbine foundations and optimal placement. In the case of tidal and wave energy projects, understanding underwater topography and ocean currents is essential for efficient energy extraction.
Conclusion
Land resources and availability pose multifaceted challenges to renewable energy developers.
Navigating the complexities of land acquisition, resettlement and compensation plans, topographical studies, zoning, conservation laws, and rewilding initiatives requires a delicate balance between sustainable energy goals and environmental preservation.
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