Research shows solar sites overlap critical habitats in the Southwest

As the climate crisis accelerates, the urgent transition to renewable energy sources is at the forefront of global sustainability efforts. However, a new study by Ms. Kylee Fleckenstein, published in PeerJ Life & Environment, highlights a critical challenge in balancing renewable energy development with biodiversity protection in the arid southwestern United States.

The research, titled “Mapping the species with the greatest conservation needs and greatest solar energy potential in the arid Southwest for future sustainable development,” examines the interface between high-priority conservation habitats and areas suitable for large-scale solar energy development (SED). With its abundant sunshine and open landscapes, the Southwest has some of the highest global horizontal radiation (GHI) levels in the country, making it a prime location for solar energy development. However, the region is also home to unique and endangered species, including the LeConte's tortoise (Toxostoma lecontei), the Bendire's tortoise (Toxostoma bendirei), the Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai), the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) and the southwestern population of the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia).

Ms. Fleckenstein's study uses a novel combined approach using species distribution modeling (SDM) to map areas of likely species occurrence and high habitat suitability, as well as site suitability analysis for potential solar development sites. The results indicate significant overlap between high-priority habitats and optimal locations for SED, highlighting the urgent need for strategies that balance renewable energy growth with conservation priorities.

“Our study highlights a paradox: the same landscapes that make the Southwest ideal for solar energy development are also critical to the survival of species already threatened by habitat loss, population growth and climate change,” Ms Fleckenstein said. “This research provides a roadmap to identify areas where development can proceed sustainably and minimize impacts on biodiversity.”

The study provides actionable insights for policymakers, conservationists and developers and emphasizes the importance of integrating biodiversity protection into renewable energy planning. By identifying areas of overlap between conservation priorities and energy potential, stakeholders can make informed decisions to support both sustainable development and protection of the region's unique ecological heritage.

As the U.S. prepares to expand renewable energy initiatives, particularly solar energy projects, the study calls for a collaborative approach to ensure that renewable energy solutions do not come at the expense of irreplaceable biodiversity.

Key findings:

• There is significant overlap between optimal solar sites and critical habitats for several endangered species.
• Species distribution modeling (SDM) and site suitability analysis provide effective tools for aligning energy development with conservation priorities.
• A coordinated, science-based approach is critical to mitigating the impacts of solar energy projects on fragile ecosystems.

This research serves as a call to action for a balanced approach to climate solutions to ensure the transition to renewable energy is not only sustainable but also responsible.