Renewable Energy in Nevada: Potential impacts, design criteria, and mitigation of renewable energy in the Western U.S.

Summary

This literature review examines the rapid expansion of utility-scale renewable energy—primarily geothermal, solar, and wind—in Nevada and the broader Western U.S., focusing on environmental impacts, design criteria, and mitigation strategies.

Key Themes

1. Environmental Impacts

• Renewable energy projects can significantly affect biodiversity and ecosystems, especially in sensitive regions like the Mojave Desert and Great Basin.
• Habitat fragmentation from infrastructure (roads, transmission lines, facilities) degrades conservation value and increases risks for native species.
• Bird and bat fatalities are associated with wind turbines, solar facilities, and transmission lines, with the highest rates during migration seasons.
• Solar facility construction methods (blading, mowing, leaving vegetation) have varying impacts on plant communities, pollinators, and ecosystem services.
• Geothermal energy’s impacts are less studied but include habitat disturbance and potential hydrological changes affecting groundwater-dependent ecosystems.

2. Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs

• The pace of renewable energy development has outstripped research on environmental impacts, leading to inconsistent mitigation and design practices.
• There is a lack of before-after control studies, especially for large, multi-project areas.
• More research is needed on cumulative impacts, best management practices, and the effects of new technologies (e.g., enhanced geothermal systems, battery storage).

3. Mitigation and Design Recommendations

• Avoid siting projects in high-value habitats, migration corridors, or near sensitive species (e.g., sage grouse leks).
• Employ deterrence technologies, reduce fencing, and design for wildlife permeability.
• Monitor impacts before and after construction, standardize fatality reporting, and adapt management based on findings.
• Underground transmission lines where feasible, use perch deterrents, and restore vegetation to minimize impacts.
• Develop comprehensive groundwater models and monitoring for geothermal projects.

4. Policy and Planning

• Regional-scale planning and analyses are critical to minimize environmental conflicts and guide siting decisions.
• State and federal agencies need to integrate scientific findings into land-use planning and mitigation requirements.
• Off-site mitigation (e.g., funding habitat restoration) can help offset unavoidable impacts.

Significance:
The review underscores the importance of careful planning, ongoing research, and adaptive management to ensure that the transition to renewable energy in Nevada balances energy needs with the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services.