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🌱 New Blueprint Helps Identify Low-Conflict Zones for Solar and Wind Energy 🌞💨

Discover how the new Operational Blueprint helps identify low-conflict zones for solar and wind energy. Learn how this guide supports sustainable renewable energy expansion while minimizing environmental and social conflicts in the Energy Community region.

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Green Glow
February 13, 2025

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As the world accelerates its transition to renewable energy, a critical challenge emerges: how to expand solar and wind power without causing environmental and social conflicts. A new Operational Blueprint, released by the Energy Community Secretariat and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), offers a practical solution. This guide provides a structured methodology for identifying low-conflict zones where renewable energy projects can thrive while minimizing negative impacts.

Table of Contents

Why Is Site Selection Important for Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are essential for reducing carbon emissions and meeting global climate targets. However, poorly planned projects can:

  • Threaten biodiversity by disrupting natural habitats.

  • Encroach on agricultural land, affecting food production.

  • Create social conflicts if they interfere with local communities or cultural heritage sites.

  • Slow down development due to lengthy environmental and legal disputes.

By using a science-based approach, the new blueprint ensures that renewable energy expansion aligns with sustainability goals and local interests.

What Is the Operational Blueprint?

The Operational Blueprint: Designation of Renewables Acceleration Areas (RAAs) is a step-by-step guide for policymakers, investors, and stakeholders. It outlines a methodology for identifying priority areas where renewable energy projects can be built with minimal environmental and social conflicts.

Key Features of the Blueprint

  1. Focus on Solar and Wind Power – Covers rooftop, ground-mounted solar, and onshore wind projects.

  2. Step-by-Step Mapping Process – Helps governments and investors pinpoint low-conflict zones for development.

  3. Compliance with EU’s RED3 Directive – Aligns with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (EU/2023/241319), which requires member states to designate RAAs.

  4. Emphasis on Sustainability – Encourages smart planning that balances energy needs, conservation efforts, and community well-being.

Challenges of Traditional Site Selection

A recent study on renewable energy siting revealed a major issue: nearly half of installed solar and wind capacity in the Energy Community region has been built in high-conflict areas. This means:

  • Natural ecosystems are at risk, as many projects overlap with forests, wetlands, or protected areas.

  • Land disputes arise, especially in regions where agricultural or indigenous lands are involved.

  • Permitting processes are delayed, due to resistance from environmental groups and local communities.

For countries with ambitious renewable energy targets—such as those in the Western Balkans—finding alternative, low-conflict locations is critical for achieving their 2030 climate goals.

How Does the Blueprint Identify Low-Conflict Zones?

The blueprint introduces a systematic mapping approach to locate areas suitable for renewable energy deployment with minimal impact. The process includes:

1. Defining Priority Areas

The RED3 directive outlines several locations that should be prioritized for renewable energy development, including:
✅ Rooftops and building facades
✅ Transport infrastructure and surrounding areas
✅ Parking lots and industrial sites
✅ Mines, waste sites, and degraded land
✅ Artificial water bodies (e.g., reservoirs, wastewater treatment sites)

By focusing on these areas, governments can maximize energy production while minimizing conflicts.

2. Analyzing Land Use and Environmental Factors

The blueprint provides a data-driven approach to evaluate land based on:

  • Ecological sensitivity (wildlife habitats, forests, wetlands).

  • Land use history (current and past human activities).

  • Infrastructure availability (grid connectivity, roads).

This multi-layered analysis ensures that renewable energy projects are placed in areas best suited for long-term sustainability.

3. Engaging Stakeholders Early

To prevent conflicts, the blueprint recommends involving:
👥 Local communities – to address social concerns.
🌿 Environmental experts – to protect biodiversity.
🏢 Investors and developers – to ensure feasibility and funding.
By fostering collaboration, the planning process becomes more transparent and effective.

Why This Blueprint Matters for the Energy Community Region

The Energy Community region—including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—has significant renewable energy potential. However, many of these countries face:

  • Limited land availability due to high proportions of protected or agricultural land.

  • Regulatory and permitting challenges that delay project implementation.

  • Social resistance in areas where past energy projects caused environmental harm.

By following this blueprint, these nations can accelerate renewable energy deployment while minimizing land-use conflicts.

Conclusion

The new blueprint marks a significant step toward responsible renewable energy development. By prioritizing low-conflict areas, policymakers and investors can:

✅ Fast-track solar and wind projects without lengthy legal battles.
✅ Protect natural ecosystems and biodiversity while expanding clean energy.
✅ Ensure a fair energy transition by involving local communities and stakeholders.

As the world moves toward a greener future, strategic site selection will be key to balancing clean energy growth and environmental protection. The Energy Community’s blueprint provides a practical roadmap to achieve this goal.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the new blueprint for renewable energy siting?

The Operational Blueprint, released by the Energy Community Secretariat and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), provides a step-by-step guide for identifying low-conflict areas for solar and wind energy development. It helps policymakers, investors, and stakeholders accelerate renewable energy deployment while minimizing environmental and social conflicts.

What are low-conflict zones for solar and wind energy?

Low-conflict zones are areas suitable for renewable energy projects that have minimal negative impact on biodiversity, land use, and local communities. These include rooftops, industrial sites, parking areas, degraded land, and artificial water bodies rather than ecologically sensitive or high-conflict regions.

Why is site selection important for renewable energy projects?

Poor site selection can lead to biodiversity loss, land disputes, and project delays due to environmental concerns. The new blueprint ensures that solar and wind farms are built in locations that support sustainability, grid efficiency, and legal compliance while avoiding conflicts.

How does the blueprint align with the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED3)?

The blueprint follows the guidelines of the EU Renewable Energy Directive (EU/2023/241319 - RED3), which mandates member states to designate Renewables Acceleration Areas (RAAs). These areas help streamline permitting processes and grid connections, ensuring faster and more sustainable renewable energy deployment.

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