How to prioritize ecological considerations when selecting photovoltaic sites？ Scholars urge consideration of landscape to minimize impact

Environmental Information Center/ Reporter Ting-Li Liu/ 2023.08.29

Controversy continues over photovoltaic power plants and ecological conservation. On the 24th, Citizen of the Earth, Taiwan (CET) Foundation held a symposium titled "Ecological Information and Conservation Mechanisms Required for Ground-Based Photovoltaic Development." Rui-Xing Lin, team leader of the Ministry of Agriculture's Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute (TBRI), stated that current review mechanisms do not mandate that companies address ecological issues. Scholars who participated in the review of the Miaoli small-sized photovoltaic project also noted that even if companies have eco-friendly measures, they often lack supporting ecological surveys, leaving them to rely on their own empirical evidence during the review process. Yi-Fang Sun, professor of National Dong Hwa University (NDHU), suggested that site selection should consider the landscape, minimizing the impact of photovoltaic power plants on the landscape.

Represntatives from Energy Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FNCA) of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). Photo by Ting-Li Liu.

Lacking of ecological data. Mei-Ting Chen: How to strike a balance between ecology and economy?

Balancing ecology and photovoltaic power plants is not easy. Mei-Ting Chen, secretary-general of Leopard Cat Conservation Association of Taiwan, who participated in the review of the small-sized photovoltaic power plant in Miaoli, pointed out that if the total demand for photovoltaic power plants and the ecological carrying capacity are unknown, it will be impossible to judge the extent to which the ecology should be controlled during the review, and it will be impossible to find the balance between ecology and economy. In addition, eco-friendly measures lack the support of ecological surveys and can only be decided based on experience or discussion.

Rui-Xing Lin, team leader of TBRI, also admitted that the current review mechanism does not force businesses to address ecological issues. "TBRI and FNCA will provide advice, but if they (businesses) don't respond, there is nothing we can do."

Sheng-Yue Liang, commissioner of CET Foundation, pointed out that Taiwan's current photovoltaic development and conservation issues are mostly handled on a case-by-case basis. The cumulative effects of large-scale photovoltaic installations in the future may not even be effectively controlled by case-by-case reviews. He called for ecological response measures to be considered during the photovoltaic site selection stage.

Wen-Xin Lin, Director of the Photovoltaic Division at the Energy Administration, MOEA, stated that large-scale development of entire areas is detrimental to the ecology, but fragmented development can also cause habitat destruction. Many ecological issues lack simple solutions. He noted the urgency of promoting renewable energy, like a battlefield where you pick up a gun and shoot at the target immediatiotely, while constantly adjusting your aim. He also sought to refine ecological response strategies and provide businesses with objective, concrete, and standardized answers to address specific ecological challenges.

Reducing ecological impact when setting up photovoltaic panels by considering landscapes.

I-Fang Sun, director of CIRES, NDHU, stated that much of the controversy surrounding renewable energy stems from inappropriate site selection. Site assessments must consider "landscape mosaic" to mitigate ecological impacts. Sun explained that landscape mosaic refers to the high heterogeneity of different habitats, interconnected and mosaicked into a landscape, providing diverse ecological functions. Species migrate between these habitats, a phenomenon known as landscape mosaic.

He gave an example, the ring-necked pheasant is an animal that moves along the edge of the forest. When a large area of photoelectric facilities appears, it will hinder the ring-necked pheasant from going to farmland to find food, forcing them to move outward to find a way out, increasing the risk of exposure to natural enemies, stray dogs and cats, or human interference.

Professor Sun explained that ring-necked pheasants move close to the edge of the forest. The photoelectric setup on the left would prevent them from foraging in farmland. Large-area light reflections may also prevent bees from pollinating crops. Therefore, the landscape setup on the right should be considered. Image source: Yi-Fang Sun.

Prof. Sun noted that the law requires a green belt around photovoltaic power plants, but regardless of the site size, the green belt is 10 meters. For large sites, a 10-meter green belt is the same as having no green belt at all. The government should adjust the green belt preservation method based on the distribution and scope of the sites, rather than imposing a rigid rule.

Zhi-Jing Shi, Section Chief of FNCA, added that the FNCA's National Ecological Green Network project aims to integrate spatial planning based on ecological data, focusing on preserving low-mountain habitats and biodiversity to connect fragmented habitats. Ecological monitoring of plants and animals will continue in the future. Species monitoring doesn't just focus on specific species; it's an indicator of habitat health.

Environmental Information Center

How to prioritize ecological considerations when selecting photovoltaic sites？ Scholars urge consideration of landscape to minimize impact

https://e-info.org.tw/node/237504