A groundbreaking new guide developed in New England is set to transform how solar farms are integrated into the landscape, emphasising biodiversity enhancement and regenerative farming practices alongside renewable energy generation.
The Building Better Biodiversity on Solar Farms Guide provides innovative strategies and tools to restore nature and integrate regenerative farming techniques while producing solar energy.
Co-authored by Heidi McElnea, Regional Coordinator at Community Power Agency, the guide highlights the potential for solar farm projects to improve biodiversity without compromising solar generation capacity.
McElnea noted: “Planning a renewable energy development offers a chance to consider shared land use,” emphasising the guide’s focus on collaboration with local First Nations ranger groups and the incorporation of holistic land management practices.
The guide, tailored to the unique ecosystem of the New England Tableland bioregion in northern NSW, offers principles relevant across Australia.
Co-author David Carr, Founder and Director of Stringybark Ecological, highlighted that well-designed solar farms can achieve a net gain in biodiversity, emphasising the importance of integrating biodiversity considerations from the outset of planning.
Dr Eric Nordberg from the University of New England, a researcher in conservoltaics, contributed findings to the guide, noting that solar farms can serve as hubs for biodiversity enhancement, providing crucial shelter and habitat for various species.
Funded by The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, the guide will be launched in collaboration with Glen Innes Natural Resources Advisory Committee and Southern New England Landcare.
The launch event, scheduled for 15 May 2024 at the Glen Innes Service Club, will feature presentations from the co-authors and a Q&A session with experts in the field.
The guide’s release comes at a critical time for Australia as it addresses the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
By incorporating biodiversity enhancement and regenerative farming practices, solar farms can play a significant role in fostering environmental sustainability while supporting renewable energy generation.
