AWARD YEAR
2021
CATEGORY
Community
GOALS
Affordable & Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities & Communities, Climate Action, Life On Land
KEYWORDS
solar panels, Green Energy, biodiversity, drained land, Solar energy
COUNTRY
Denmark
DESIGNED BY
European Energy, KIRTxTHOMSEN
WEBSITE
https://www.kirt-thomsen.com/biopv
BIO PV - Solar energy on Drained land
Greater biodiversity, less CO2, more green power
In Denmark, ~ 70,000 Ha of lowland soil is drained and cultivated. The cultivated lowland soils are responsible for ~ 50% of agriculture's area-based greenhouse gas emissions. Removal of lowland soils will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen biodiversity.
Several benefits: 1) Drainage and fertilization are stopped, thereby reducing CO2 emissions, 2 )The production of green electricity = greener society 3) Biodiversity increases significantly compared to cultivated areas = better wildlife 4) More visually attractive and aligned with the landscape than normal solar parks.
Biodiversity in areas with solar panels is ensured by: 1) Avoid spraying and fertilizing 2) Plan mowing or grazing with respect to the nature of the area 3) Set up the solar panels at a distance that limits the effect of the area's wildlife 4) Secure game passages in areas with game 5) Grown-up vegetation that shades the panels e.g. wild-growing shrubs and trees are cut down and left in the field.