Renewable energy projects and species protection: A comparison into the application of the EU species protection regulation with respect to renewable energy projects in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark and Germany

Abstract

Renewable energy projects, such as offshore and onshore wind and solar farms, including the necessary infrastructure, have an impact on biodiversity. In this report, we analyse how species protection law is applied with regard to such projects. The emerging energy transition brings about changes. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable resources will require different generation units, from traditional large-scale centralised units to smaller, scattered generation plants. Although these generation units are not new, the energy transition requires a significant upscaling of these techniques. Besides the clear positive effect on sustainability, these techniques have a possible negative impact on biodiversity. These effects are most clear for wind turbines but also apply, to a lesser extent, to solar farms and high-power lines. Birds and bats fly into the blades of wind turbines, and bats may also suffer consequences from the effects of these blades on local air pressure, which can cause barotrauma. Also foraging and breeding species can suffer during the construction phase and wind phase because their landscape has changed. This study offers an insight into the incorporation of species protection aspects in current permit practices, and contributes to the discussion on dealing with species protection issues in the process of upscaling sustainable energy facilities.