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Contributed Poster

Session: Conservation Planning and Policy

PS 24-78 - Interactions between floating photovoltaic solar energy and waterbirds: Concepts and observations for conservation

Tuesday, August 8, 2023
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PDT
Location: ESA Exhibit Hall

    Presenting Author(s)

  • EF

    Emma Forester

    PhD Student
    Global Ecology and Sustainability Lab, Land, Air & Water Resources Department, Wild Energy Center, Institute of the Environment - Energy and Efficiency Institute,University of California, Davis, CA, USA
    Antelope, California, United States

    • Coauthor(s)

  • RH

    Rebecca R. Hernandez

    Global Ecology and Sustainability Lab, Land, Air & Water Resources Department, Wild Energy Center, Institute of the Environment - Energy and Efficiency Institute,University of California, Davis, CA, USA, United States

  • AC

    Alexander Cagle

    Global Ecology and Sustainability Lab, Land, Air & Water Resources Department, Wild Energy Center, Institute of the Environment - Energy and Efficiency Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA, United States

  • JR

    Jocelyn Rodriguez

    Global Ecology and Sustainability Lab, Land, Air & Water Resources Department, Wild Energy Center, Institute of the Environment - Energy and Efficiency Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA, United States

  • TC

    Tara Conkling

    U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, ID, United States

  • SK

    Sandor Kelly

    University of Central Florida, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida Collection of Arthropods (UCFC), Orlando, FL, United States

  • GE

    Giles Exley

    Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom, United Kingdom

  • AA

    Alona Armstrong

    Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom, United Kingdom

  • ZE

    Zachary Eldredge

    Solar Energy Technologies Office, Department of Energy, Washington, DC, United States

  • TK

    Todd Katzner

    U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, ID, United States

Abstract: Floating photovoltaic solar energy (FPVs) presents an opportunity to mitigate climate change by shifting away from fossil fuels and sparing land for other uses, including conservation. However, the ecological effects of FPVs on aquatic ecosystems remain unknown and may reinforce but also undermine progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to aquatic ecosystems (15 - Life Below Water and 16 - Life on Land). Of increasing interest to academia, industry, and government agencies is how FPVs may interface with the ecology and habitat of waterbirds. Here, we combine two methodological approaches, a literature review and preliminary field observations of waterbird species and their interactions with FPV components to inform five concepts for the conservation of waterbirds applicable to FPV development and identify priorities for research and mitigation. We identified five concepts for the conservation of waterbirds applicable to the development of sustainable FPVs: (1) FPVs represent novel aquatic infrastructure that may be used by waterbirds; (2) impacts are exchanged among waterbirds, their habitat, and FPVs, including impacts on PV performance and durability; (3) the siting and design of FPVs may include concessions for waterbirds that support conservation; (4) unique and novel waterbird monitoring and survey approaches are needed at FPV sites; and (5) longer-term impacts of FPVs on waterbirds may occur, including via the transport of degraded FPV materials across food webs. Within each concept, we report on observed novel interactions between FPV components and waterbirds and propose a list of key questions and/or gaps for future research. Understanding these considerations and anticipating future environmental concerns related to FPVs may help support biodiversity as water surfaces become a more prominent, widespread recipient environment for renewable energy infrastructure.