One significant difference between the production of energy from fossil fuels and those from renewables (biomass, wind, solar) is that renewables require much more land. The net energy density of Solar PV is in the range of 100-1000 Gj/ha/y, depending on the location [5]. On average, the ratio of energy densities for solar to biomass is 42:1 [5]. Solar energy can also be produced on marginal grounds, such as arid lands, that are not suitable for biomass production. However, in spite of its more efficient land use, there are certain environmental impacts associated with the production of solar energy.
Solar Energy Development in the United States Southwest
http://summitvoice.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/solar-map.jpg?w=468
In the United States, the southwest has a particularly high solar energy potential and therefore also the potential for USSEDO (Utility-Scale Solar Energy Development Operation) to cause conflicts with natural resources, especially wildlife, is also high considering the exceptional biodiversity [6].
Based on kWh/m2/day, it is fairly evident that the southwest has the best capacity for solar energy.
Based on kWh/m2/day, it is fairly evident that the southwest has the best capacity for solar energy.
Impacts on the desert ecosystem
http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=310790
The construction and decommissioning of USSED (Utility-Scale Solar Energy Development) will affect wildlife through significant ground disturbances, direct (e.g. mortality) and indirect (e.g. habitat loss, degradation) impacts [6]. During the site preparation process for solar facilities, vegetation removal is often required, and the construction process results in dust emissions. This can accelerate wind erosion, which alters the fertility and water-retention capacity of the soil. The increase in dust emissions in the air can also affect the gas exchange, photosynthesis process and water usage of many plants in the desert ecosystem [6].
The Agassiz’s desert tortoise attracts particular attention because of its protected status, wide distribution in areas considered for the USSEDO and the fact that it acts as an “umbrella species,” extending protection to other plants and animals within its range [6]. It is estimated that within the area covered in the draft Environmental Impact Statement released by the USDOI and USDOE in 2011, approximately 161,943 ha of the Agassiz’s desert tortoise’s habitat will be directly affected [6]. If one excludes indirect impacts such as transmission lines and roads, it is estimated that 769,230 ha of the tortoise’s habitat will be affected [6]. The programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) for solar development in the southwest states mentions that it will protect natural and cultural resources by excluding 78.6 million acres from solar development [7]. One can only hope that this will protect species in the fragile ecosystems.
The Agassiz’s desert tortoise attracts particular attention because of its protected status, wide distribution in areas considered for the USSEDO and the fact that it acts as an “umbrella species,” extending protection to other plants and animals within its range [6]. It is estimated that within the area covered in the draft Environmental Impact Statement released by the USDOI and USDOE in 2011, approximately 161,943 ha of the Agassiz’s desert tortoise’s habitat will be directly affected [6]. If one excludes indirect impacts such as transmission lines and roads, it is estimated that 769,230 ha of the tortoise’s habitat will be affected [6]. The programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) for solar development in the southwest states mentions that it will protect natural and cultural resources by excluding 78.6 million acres from solar development [7]. One can only hope that this will protect species in the fragile ecosystems.