AMBIOSOLAR

Analysis of the deployment of solar energy in the South East of the Iberian Peninsula. Proposals to meet EU environmental objectives through land-use planning.

Ref. TED2021-130035B-100

Luis Bolonio

WHY WAS AMBIOSOLAR BORN?

Because the energy transition must be respectful of the territories and avoid environmental impacts.

Climate change, caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, is one of humanity’s greatest problems. The loss of biodiversity is another. The two are related. Solving the first problem requires the generation of “green” energy, through solar power plants and wind farms. However, not every plant or wind farm is necessarily green. It will depend on factors such as its location or how it is built. If not done responsibly, supposedly green energy generation can lead to loss of ecosystems and biodiversity. In order to avoid these problems, authorities have clearly defined when an activity is environmentally sustainable.

Regulation (EU) 2020/852 | Taxonomy Regulation

According to this European regulation, for an economic activity to be considered environmentally sustainable, it is a requirement not to cause any significant damage to any of the environmental objectives established in article 9, including the protection and recovery of biodiversity and ecosystems. Ambiosolar aims to study whether solar energy is being deployed in our study area (Campo de Tabernas, Almería) without any damage to biodiversity conservation and socio-economic values. It also aims to make land-use planning proposals taking both factors into account.

Campo de Tabernas | Luis Bolonio

WHAT IS AMBIOSOLAR FOR?

To increase scientific knowledge of our natural resources.

Specifically:

Reliable and updated distribution of two threatened bird species.
Their habitat requirements.
The impact that the installation of photovoltaic plants and their power lines have on various aspects of their biology.

With this information, we will be able to advise companies and administrations, design land-use plans and effective compensatory measures and, in a word, to ensure that photovoltaic development in Campo de Tabernas is compatible with the conservation of biodiversity.

Ambiosolar will also produce scientific knowledge on the socio-economic impact of photovoltaic development in Campo de Tabernas. A land-use plan will be proposed accordingly to ensure that such a development is compatible with the way of life and quality of life of its inhabitants.

Ambiosolar incorporates a gender dimension. Its results can help reduce the lack of balance affecting women in the rural world by providing information and added value to an economic activity in which they are particularly active: rural tourism.