Photovoltaics in agricultural landscapes: “Industrial land use” or a “real compromise” between renewable energy and biodiversity? Perspectives of German nature conservation associations

Abstract

Abstract Our societies are facing the challenge of substituting environmentally hazardous energy sources with renewable energies as part of meeting climate protection goals. One common renewable energy source is photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, installing ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV-GM) systems in agricultural areas can lead to competition with other land uses. These projects therefore often encounter problems with social acceptance in affected communities. Especially from the perspective of nature conservation targets, conflicts can arise with the potential to lead to discord. These potential differences are still under-researched but represent important knowledge for the societally broadly accepted design of such facilities and their contribution to energy transformation. In this paper, we investigate the perspectives of nature conservationists on PV in the region of Brandenburg, Germany. In addition, we comparatively analyse attitudes towards agrophotovoltaics (APV) as a possible solution for mitigating land-use conflicts. Results are based on qualitative text analysis of ten interviews with local representatives and supraregional position papers put out by Nature Conservation Associations. A focus is put on factors influencing – either positively or negatively – the degree of local acceptability. Our finding suggest a growing consensus around basic assumptions of the need for renewable energies, the support for PV systems on rooftops, and the necessity for PV systems to be compatible with nature. Regarding specific site decisions, the various design options of PV parks and a projected large-scale expansion in the use of APV, we find diverging attitudes when we compare the content of position papers and the responses of interviewees. The interviewees advocate for paying due regard to the inclusion of local interests and specific regional conditions, the effects of APV on the local environment, and the need for distributional justice. Large-scale plants are locally less accepted than smaller ones and there is a more open attitude towards the expansion of APV. However, a range of concerns regarding consequences for landscape and biodiversity persists, and further research and clarification is required to address these issues. With this in mind, we draw conclusions about research needs when it comes to promoting the long-term social acceptability of renewable forms of energy generation. In line with other scholarly work, we conclude that basic ecological standards and the demands of local stakeholders and interest groups should be taken into account when planning, implementing and reviewing PV projects in the future.