What is Solar Biodiversity Net Gain? 

With efforts to tackle climate change increasing worldwide, the global demand for renewable, and especially solar, energy is continuing to rise. Utilising the power of the sun to generate clean electricity, solar energy releases less carbon emissions into the atmosphere compared to fossil fuel-based energy, helping to limit the rapid increase in global temperatures. For the UK to meet its target to become net zero by 2050, the Climate Change Committee estimates that 75-90% of the nation's electricity will need to come from renewable sources by 2050. Further estimates indicate the UK must install a minimum of 40 GW of solar energy generation projects by 2030 to keep net zero on track. However, as with any large-scale developments, it is crucial to consider the environmental impact of these projects. This is where the concept of Solar Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) comes into play. 

Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain 

BNG is an approach to land management that compels developers to leave natural habitats in a better state than before they started. It came into force in early 2024 and requires developers to take a baseline biodiversity measurement of their site (measured in ‘biodiversity units') and improve this figure by at least 10% following the development. This could be achieved by creating new habitats, enhancing existing ones, or improving the connectivity between them to support a wider range of species. The overall aim is to ensure that the ecological health of an area is improved, rather than diminished, by human activity. 

Applying Biodiversity Net Gain to Solar Farms 

Solar farms, while beneficial in terms of reducing carbon emissions, can have varying impacts on local ecosystems. For instance, they can alter land use, change local hydrology, and affect native flora and fauna. To mitigate these effects, ‘Solar BNG' strategies can be implemented. These integrate solar farm developments with efforts to create or restore habitats and enhance local wildlife, to help ensure solar energy development do not come at the expense of the local environment, but rather enhance it. 

Key Components of Solar BNG 

• Effectively implementing Solar BNG includes: 
• Site Selection and Planning 
• Assess potential sites: Conduct thorough ecological assessments to understand the baseline biodiversity and identify potential impacts. 
• Avoid high-value ecological sites: Choose sites with minimal existing ecological value, such as brownfield sites or degraded agricultural land, to avoid disrupting high-value habitats. 
• Design and Layout 
• Habitat Creation: Integrate features such as wildflower meadows, hedgerows, and ponds within the solar farm to support local wildlife. 
• Ecological Connectivity: Design the layout to include wildlife corridors that allow species to move freely across the landscape. 
• Project Construction  
• Minimise Disturbance: Implement practices that reduce soil disturbance and protect existing vegetation during construction. 
• Timing: Schedule construction activities to avoid sensitive periods for wildlife, such as breeding seasons. 
• Management and Monitoring 
• Long-term Management: Develop and implement management plans that maintain and enhance biodiversity over the lifespan of the solar farm. 
• Monitoring: Regularly monitor biodiversity outcomes to ensure that the net gain targets are being met and to adapt management practices as necessary. 

Benefits of Solar BNG 

• Enhance Ecosystems: By creating and managing habitats, solar farms can become biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide range of species. 
• Increase Climate Resilience: Biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient to climate change, providing ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and carbon sequestration. 
• Regulatory Compliance: Solar BNG ensures compliance with UK-wide environmental regulations. 
• Community and Stakeholder Support: Demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship can foster positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders. 

Solar BNG represents a forward-thinking approach to renewable energy development, ensuring that the push for renewable energy does not come at the expense of our natural environment. By integrating BNG principles into the planning, design, and management of solar farms, we can create a win-win scenario where both energy and biodiversity needs are sustainably met. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your solar project achieve biodiversity net gain.