24.07.2024. / 16:35
BRUSSELS – Europe has enough land to scale up solar and wind energy projects without endangering food production or nature, according to a new analysis by the European Environment Agency (EEB) published today.
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According to the research, decarbonizing the European Union by 2040 requires only half of the land considered suitable for renewable energy sources, excluding nature reserves and high-value agricultural areas.
“As the debate intensifies over where to place new solar and wind farms, the EEB study clarifies the spatial requirements for achieving 100 percent renewable energy in Europe in a sustainable manner,” it is stated in the announcement.
The EEB estimates that only 2.2 percent of the EU’s total land will be needed for current and future solar and wind projects so that the EU can phase out both fossil fuels and nuclear power and achieve climate neutrality by 2040.
According to the data of the Joint Research Center of the European Commission, 5.2 percent of the land in the EU can be considered “suitable” for the development of solar and wind energy, based on strict agricultural, ecological and technical criteria.
Most of the land suitable for sustainable renewable energy development is in rural areas, with 78 percent for ground-mounted solar PV systems and 83 percent for onshore wind farms.
“Only urban and industrial areas cannot meet all the needs for solar capacity. However, there is plenty of degraded agricultural land available for solar expansion without disrupting rural economies. This can be done in synergy with food production and restoration of soil health,” announced the EEB.
The analysis points out that, in addition to degraded land, renewable energy sources can coexist with agriculture and nature.
“The integration of solar energy with existing agricultural activities is possible through dual purpose standards such as agrosolar power plant”, it is stated in the announcement and adds that the EU countries can also meet the goals of renewable energy and the restoration of nature.
The EEB indicates that Germany and Italy do not have enough land suitable for renewable sources if nature reserves and productive agricultural areas are excluded, but that on the other hand Spain and Romania have significantly more than their energy needs.
That is why, EEB points out, a European “supergrid” is necessary for connecting resources, balancing energy distribution and achieving decarbonization across the EU through cooperation and waste reduction.
Kosimo Tansini from EEB stated that renewable energy sources can be developed without consequences for food supply or natural habitats.
“Evidence suggests that Europe has enough land for a sustainable expansion of renewable energy sources, excluding biodiversity-rich zones and productive agricultural lands, especially in rural regions,” said Tansini.
EEB appealed for continued support from policy makers, investments in infrastructure and active engagement with local communities in order to create a sustainable and fair energy future.ForbesBiH/Beta
Source: www.capital.ba
