Nature conservation and energy transition: Reconciliation is possible

• Expansion of renewable energies must take more efficient use of land into account

• Preserving landscape qualities helps maintain acceptance

Berlin/Leipzig, 13 February 2019:

"The expansion of renewable energies is imperative to achieve climate protection targets and must also protect species and habitats from the consequences of climate change. The energy transition must take place in a manner that is compatible with nature and the environment. Efficient use of land and consideration of the respective landscape conditions play an important role in this," says Prof. Beate Jessel. The President of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation presented the BfN Renewable Energy Report today.

The report is based on the results of more than 40 projects of the research focus "Nature Conservation and Renewable Energies" at BfN. With the current overview, BfN shows a multitude of possibilities to shape the far-reaching change in energy supply in harmony with nature conservation. The focus is on the aspects of "area" and "landscape". The large number and wide spatial distribution of renewable energy plants contribute to changes in land use and landscape, and they also pose risks for certain species and their habitats. Currently, for example, it can be observed that near-natural areas such as forests or extensively used grassland are increasingly being taken up for renewable energies.

"But nature-friendly RE expansion can succeed - as our Energy Report makes clear," emphasises Prof. Jessel. "Thus, it is and remains central for nature conservation as well as for the success of the energy transition in general to prioritise energy savings and efficiency measures and thus to limit the energy demand itself." Sparing use of the limited and coveted resource of land continues to be of particular importance: "In rural areas, we should focus on land-efficient technologies and careful siting, and at the same time make greater use than in the past of existing roof areas for solar installations, especially in the large conurbations," says the BfN President. "Increased expansion close to consumption can thus contribute to the protection of the 'open landscape'. On the other hand, we do not see any expandable and nature-compatible options for action for bioenergy from cultivated biomass. In addition, the planning and approval procedures for the energy transition should take greater account of landscape qualities and thus the landscape as a protected resource. This is also of increasing importance for the acceptance of the energy transition."

The "Renewable Energy Report 2019" also presents approaches for the concrete implementation of plant expansion. Among other things, options for nature conservation-friendly siting and for the nature conservation-friendly construction and operation of renewable energy plants were further elaborated. For example, intelligent avoidance measures in the vicinity of wind farms can help to minimise species protection conflicts.

Renewable Energies Report 2019 - Results

• The expansion of renewable energies (RE) is necessary to achieve climate protection targets and must be carried out in harmony with nature conservation and environmental protection goals. It must therefore be consciously managed in such a way that it is realised in harmony with nature and the landscape.
• The implementation of energy efficiency and energy saving measures is an essential prerequisite for achieving an energy transition that is compatible with nature.
• The goal must be a landscape- and site-specific mix of (acreage-)efficient RE plants with the lowest possible impact on people, nature and the landscape. This also requires new approaches. For example, it is essential to integrate urban areas more strongly, especially through the decentralised expansion of photovoltaics on roofs.
• Landscape and landscape experience should be better taken into account in the planning and approval of RE plants in the future, and citizens should also be more involved in these processes.
• Aspects of nature conservation should be taken into account at an early stage, both in site planning and in strategic considerations for the further expansion of RE. To this end, instruments for nationwide spatial distribution should be discussed, among other things.

Background

The Research Programme "Nature Conservation and Renewable Energies

In the research area "Nature Conservation and Renewable Energies" at the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, more than 40 research and development projects deal with questions on the nature-compatible energy transition. These also involve strategic considerations on the further orientation of the energy system. With the "Renewable Energy Report", the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation presents a synthesis of the research results. The focus is on solutions and approaches for the coexistence of nature conservation and the energy transition. After all, a large part of the energy transition is still to come: in 2018, the share of renewable energies in electricity supply was 35 percent, and this is expected to rise to at least 80 percent by 2050.

Reference

Renewable Energy Report 2019 (English edition)