Some aspects of the impact of photovoltaic plants on the environment

Renewable energy sources (RES) play a key role in the global effort to tackle climate change and ensure a sustainable energy future. They are energy sources that are naturally renewable and have a minimal or zero carbon footprint. The main types of renewable energy sources include wind, solar (thermal and photovoltaic), aerothermal, geothermal, hydrothermal, ambient energy, tidal, wave and other ocean energy, hydroelectric power, biomass, landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas and biogases (EC Directive 2018/2001). Large-scale photovoltaic power plants (PPPs) are being developed at a rapid pace and are set to use thousands or millions of acres of land worldwide. While the energy, economic and environmental impacts of PPPs are generally considered positive, large-scale deployment has negative impacts on non-urban areas. Specific impacts on soils and rural areas (e.g. permanent or temporary soil sealing conditions, complete or partial soil shading, land degradation, habitat fragmentation and loss of traditional agricultural practices) have been identified and require further investigation. The life cycle analysis of PPPs showed that they cannot be accepted as green technologies with zero emissions due to the potential negative effects on the environment. However, they are one of the most promising renewable energy sources, which emphasizes the need to search for sustainable models for their production, construction and operation.

Keywords

solar plants, photovoltaic power plants, alternative energy sources, renewable energy, environmental impact

URI

https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/626

Collections

Ecologia Balkanica

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