The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Ecology and Sustainabilitye(CIRES) at National Dong Hwa University(NDHU) has set up a "flux tower" in a 66-hectare solar photovoltaic field in Fonglin Township, Hualien, to investigate the impact of the photovoltaic field on the surrounding environment. The research found that while deforestation for solar energy reduces carbon absorption, the field can offset 550 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per hectare of electricity generated. Additionally, it retains more rainwater and attracts wildlife for foraging and nesting. Future research will continue in this area.
A solar photovoltaic field covering approximately 66 hectares in Fenglin Township, Hualien, has attracted a research team from NDHU to study its ecology. Photo by reporter Wang Sihui.
The Shengfong Solar Power Plant, located in the Zhaofong section of Fonglin Township, utilizes barren, non-arable river delta land for photovoltaic development. Two years ago, the team from NDHU began research on clarifing the energy and moisture exchange between the photovoltaic facilities and the surrounding flatland forests, as well as changes in carbon dioxide levels. The research scope also encompasses investigations into flora and fauna, atmospheric conditions, and soil characteristics.
Prof. Chang Shi-Chieh, director of the CIRES, pointed out that a comparison between the photovoltaic field and the flux station at the Danong-Dafu plain forest area revealed that the photovoltaic field emitted 7 tons of carbon dioxide last year, while the Danong-Dafu area absorbed 25 tons. However, based on Hualien's sunlight hours, one hectare of the photovoltaic field can generate approximately 1.13 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. According to Taiwan Power Company’s carbon emissions calculations per kilowatt-hour, this equates to offsetting about 550 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per hectare.
The CIRES at NDHU has installed a "flux tower" in a solar photovoltaic field covering approximately 66 hectares in Fenglin Township, Hualien, to investigate the impact of the photovoltaic field on the surrounding environment. Photo by reporter Wang Sihui.
Prof. Chang Shi-Chieh indicated that through the research equipment, it was found that the photovoltaic field evaporates approximately 550 millimeters of water per year, compared to about 800 millimeters for the forest. This means that the photovoltaic field can retain more rainwater, and its reflective rate is lower than that of the forest canopy, suggesting it can absorb more energy. However, energy balance is influenced by surrounding atmospheric conditions, so the team will continue to collect more data to analyze the impact of the photovoltaic field on landscape-scale microclimates.
Additionally, the research team has set up a 24-hour monitoring system within the photovoltaic field. This comprehensive monitoring system includes infrared automatic cameras, hygrometers, and seed traps to observe the ecosystem.
The research team has set up a 24-hour monitoring system within the photovoltaic field to observe the ecosystem. Photo by reporter Wang Sihui.
Doctor Zheng Shun-Ren, who studies birds and mammals at NDHU, mentioned that the photovoltaic field primarily attracts wildlife that prefers open environments. So far, they have successfully recorded sightings of the Ring-necked pheasant, Masked palm civet, white wagtails, and Chinese ferret-badger. In June and July of this year, they also captured frequent footage of Eastern spot-billed duck, Pacific swallows, and dogs lingering and playing in the area.
Doctor Zheng noted that maintenance personnel at the site have discovered four bird species—nightjars, black bulbuls, Styan's bulbuls, and Ring-necked pheasant—building nests in the site. These birds are nesting in the pathways between the photovoltaic facilities or directly in the grassy areas beneath the solar panels. The team will continue to observe their nesting behavior.
udn.com:
National Dong Hwa University studies the ecology of photovoltaic fields, which not only retains rainwater but also attracts wildlife.
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