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Bibliographic synthesis of biodiversity-relevant criteria for solar energy siting

Published Article

Global

Publication date: November 1, 2025

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Solar energy expansion is essential for climate mitigation, yet its rapid growth can create local biodiversity conflicts. This study synthesizes peer‑reviewed solar‑suitability analyses and convenes an expert panel to evaluate how biodiversity‑relevant criteria are used in siting decisions. Findings show such criteria are often included only to satisfy legal requirements and may not adequately capture ecological risks. Experts identified two major barriers: limited biodiversity data at relevant spatial scales and weak regulatory frameworks guiding solar siting. Because solar development and biodiversity conservation address intertwined global crises, integrating stronger biodiversity criteria into suitability analyses is critical to ensure both goals advance together.

Subject Tags

  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation Planning
  • Renewable energy

Abstract

The widespread expansion of solar energy generation promises to help mitigate global-scale threats from climate change while potentially impacting biodiversity at local scales. Developers must attempt to maximize solar energy production while minimizing conflicts with biodiversity conservation, particularly as calls for the conservation of 30% of the world's land and sea area gain traction. Here, we bibliographically synthesized peer-reviewed solar suitability analyses that attempt to optimize locations most suitable for solar development and convened a panel of energy experts to contextualize the use of biodiversity-relevant criteria in siting solar installations. We found that biodiversity-relevant criteria seemed to be used in solar suitability analyses primarily to meet legal requirements, and, thus, may not adequately account for the potential effects of solar infrastructure on local and/or regional biodiversity. The expert panel identified two primary barriers to incorporating biodiversity-relevant criteria into solar suitability analyses: a lack of quality data at relevant scales, and weak regulatory requirements that govern how biodiversity concerns are incorporated into solar siting. Solar energy development and biodiversity conservation address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, and the inclusion of biodiversity-relevant criteria into solar suitability analyses can ensure their goals remain aligned.

Citation

Levin, M. O., Condon, D., Krasner, N. Z., Forester, E., Holmes, C. C., Bateman, B. L., ... & Hernandez, R. R. (2025). Bibliographic synthesis of biodiversity-relevant criteria for solar energy siting. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 223, 116026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2025.116026

TNC Authors