Low Ecological Risk Wind Energy Development Areas Analysis

In order to facilitate the rapid deployment of renewable wind-generated electrical energy with minimal ecological impacts, The Nature Conservancy is providing science-based siting information to wind power stakeholders to... [ view full abstract ]

In order to facilitate the rapid deployment of renewable wind-generated electrical energy with minimal ecological impacts, The Nature Conservancy is providing science-based siting information to wind power stakeholders to support wind energy deployment and procurement processes. Whereas developers of individual wind energy facilities should have information regarding potential ecological impacts at their specific sites, other stakeholders in deployment and procurement of wind energy processes may not. Having such information available for their decision-making protocols can reduce impacts to sensitive species and habitats, provide significant business benefits, and help achieve true sustainability in the use of wind energy.

Deploying wind energy in an ecologically compatible manner requires siting facilities in areas where wind turbines and related infrastructure minimize direct wildlife mortalities and do not displace sensitive species or degrade or fragment their habitats. If developers utilize this analysis, it would not preclude them from needing to undertake communication and coordination with appropriate state and federal regulatory agencies early in their planning process. Key collaborators with wind energy developers include transmission entities, utilities and other electricity off-takers, wind energy project financiers and insurers, some regulators, and other organizations encouraging sustainability in wind energy development and use. The intent is to allow all wind energy stakeholders to be aware of locations of low risk for potential wildlife impacts (and conversely, areas of higher risk of such impacts) and to be able to provide informed participation in decisions related to the suitability of specific locations, either before or after siting has taken place.

The foundational component of the analysis is a multi-layered geospatial data system that allows users to readily identify areas where ecological risks are low and wind energy potential is high. This non-regulatory, market-driven system can facilitate more rapid deployment of renewable wind energy; avoid most serious ecological threats; minimize potential environmental review project delays; reduce development costs; and help to protect corporate reputations of wind energy development stakeholders. The system synthesizes published scientific information on species potentially impacted by wind energy facilities, such as whooping cranes, prairie grouse, bats, and eagles. Also included are habitats (and their inhabitants) which could be potentially impacted by wind facilities, such as very high quality playas (waterfowl), major wetlands, protected wildlife areas and intact native grasslands and forests. The analysis maps are easy to use, with no cost or commitment required from the user. The Nature Conservancy has assembled this information and is making it available to everyone via open website access. Coverage is being provided for areas of significant wind speed in the Great Plains, both through this analysis and via linkage to similar efforts. Mapping will be updated as new scientific information becomes available. TNC is informing wind energy stakeholder organizations regarding the components, implications, and benefits of this system. The use of the analysis system by wind energy deployment stakeholders can become a voice from the sustainable wind energy market. The analysis became available July 1, 2016.