How ESE Partners is helping to make solar energy development more sustainable
A case study of our environmental siting services for large scale solar projects
Introduction
Solar energy is one of the fastest growing sources of renewable energy in the world. It offers many benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, diversifying the energy mix, and creating jobs. However, solar energy also poses some challenges, such as land use, wildlife impacts, and visual impacts. That’s why it is important to conduct environmental siting for large scale solar projects, to ensure that they are compatible with the natural and social environment.
What is environmental siting?
Environmental siting is the process of identifying, evaluating, and selecting the best location for a solar project, taking into account the environmental, social, and economic factors. Environmental siting involves conducting various studies, such as ecological surveys, cultural resource assessments, visual impact assessments, noise impact assessments, and geotechnical investigations. Environmental siting also involves engaging with stakeholders, such as landowners, regulators, communities, and NGOs, to address their concerns and expectations.
How ESE Partners can help?
ESE Partners is a leading environmental consulting firm that specializes in environmental siting for large scale solar projects. We have a team of experts who have extensive experience and knowledge in the solar industry, as well as in the environmental regulations and best practices. We offer a range of services, such as:
- Site selection and critical issues analysis
- Environmental permitting and compliance
- Environmental impact assessment and mitigation
- Stakeholder engagement and public outreach
- Environmental monitoring and reporting
A case study of our environmental siting services for large scale solar projects
One of our recent projects was to provide environmental siting services for a 300 MW solar project in Texas. The project site was located on a former ranch, which had a rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The project also faced some opposition from the local community, who were concerned about the visual impacts of the solar panels. We conducted the following activities to address these challenges:
- We performed a comprehensive ecological survey, which identified the presence of several endangered and threatened species, such as the golden-cheeked warbler, the black-capped vireo, and the Texas horned lizard. We also identified several archaeological sites, such as historic ranch buildings and a cemetery. We developed a mitigation plan, which included avoiding and minimizing impacts, relocating and restoring habitats, and preserving and documenting cultural resources.
- We obtained the necessary environmental permits and approvals from the federal, state, and local agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the County Historical Commission. We also complied with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Texas Antiquities Code.
- We conducted a visual impact assessment, which evaluated the potential effects of the solar panels on the scenic quality and visual character of the area. We used various tools, such as viewshed analysis, photomontages, and simulations, to illustrate the before and after scenarios.
- We engaged with the stakeholders, such as the landowner, the neighbors, the regulators, the media, and the public, to inform them about the project, to address their concerns and expectations, and to solicit their feedback and input. We used various techniques, such as meetings, workshops, websites, and social media, to communicate and interact with the stakeholders.
- We monitored and reported the environmental performance of the project, such as the compliance with the permits and regulations, the implementation of the mitigation measures, and the achievement of the environmental objectives. We used various indicators, such as the number of species and habitats protected, the number of cultural resources preserved, the number of complaints and grievances resolved, and the number of environmental awards and recognitions received.
Conclusion
By providing environmental siting services for large scale solar projects, ESE Partners is helping to make solar energy more sustainable. We are not only ensuring that the solar projects are environmentally sound, but also that they are socially acceptable and economically viable. We are proud to be part of the solar revolution, and we invite you to join us in our mission to create a cleaner and greener future.
