EDF Renewables UK and Nature Positive have initiated a groundbreaking academic collaboration aimed at studying the ecological effects of solar farms. The partnership, in conjunction with the University of Exeter's Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI), will focus its research at the Longfield solar farm in Essex, England.
This long-term research program marks the first of many expected by EDF Renewables UK, aiming to investigate how large-scale solar farms influence soil health, wildlife habitats, fauna, and carbon flux both within and around solar arrays. Approximately 50 hectares of experimental area within the Longfield site will serve as a testing ground, allowing researchers to explore various management practices and compare the ecological impacts between solar panel areas and undeveloped agricultural land.
Matthew Boulton, Director of Solar, Storage, and Private Wire at EDF Renewables UK, highlighted the significance of the research: “This research is critical to our commitment to balancing the creation of renewable energy with the protection of our important green spaces and we are thrilled to be partnering with the University of Exeter to make it happen. Having robust data will be invaluable for measuring the tried and tested biodiversity improvements we already make, while also informing future decision-making to maximise biodiversity improvements on each of our solar farms.”
Jon Bennie, Director of Education and Student Experience at Exeter University, emphasized the project's educational value: “This long-term piece of research will allow us to study the potential benefits and challenges involved in the construction and operation of solar farms, helping to inform management decisions to maximise these environmental gains and minimise potential risks.”
Mark Lang from Nature Positive underscored the broader implications of the research: “Whilst solar farms have become increasingly important in meeting the national need for renewable energy, the potential benefits they can have in improving biodiversity and providing other ecosystem services have to date been poorly understood. It is hoped the research will contribute to the collective understanding of how solar farms can be effectively managed to enhance biodiversity, influencing current best practice in the rapidly growing solar industry.”
The research program is scheduled to commence later this year and will span six years, encompassing pre-development, development, and post-development phases to comprehensively assess ecological changes. The findings are expected to add valuable insights to existing research, aiming to refine industry practices and maximize biodiversity enhancements across solar farm developments.
