Myths often cloud the truth when it comes to renewable energy in Australia. Social media is full of posts alleging wind and solar farms kill koalas and destroy ecosystems. But the reality and data paint a very different picture. Far from being a foe, renewable energy is part of the solution to saving our species. Contrary to what climate change denialists would like us to believe, it's not wind turbines but coal mines and gas projects that pose the greatest threat to our cherished koalas. Here's a deeper look into why new technologies like wind and solar have much lower environmental impacts than coal and gas.
Lower Life-Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Wind and solar exhibit markedly lower life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than coal and gas. Data and analysis from the Union of Concerned Scientists, for example, shows that life-cycle emissions from the construction, transporting, operation, decommissioning of wind farms are 70 times lower than those for gas and coal. As renewables increasingly replace fossil fuels, supply chains will further decarbonise and this difference will increase further.
Water Conservation
Wind and solar require minimal to no water for their operation. This contrasts sharply with fossil fuel and nuclear technologies that rely on and affect water resources. Fossil fuel and uranium extraction and processing pollutes water bodies and consumes large quantities of water, straining supplies vital for agriculture, drinking and native species and ecosystems. Renewable energy's negligible water use helps preserve water.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health
Renewable energy projects are required by law in Australia to reduce, avoid and offset negative impacts on local wildlife, habitat, soil and water. A growing body of evidence exists on how wind and solar installations minimise negative environmental impacts and support wildlife. Different strategies and technologies can reduce adverse impacts and enhance local ecosystems and biodiversity. The Kipeto Wind Farm in Kenya, for example, shuts down if endangered birds approach within one kilometre of the turbines, and the Carrizo Plains Solar Farm in California has improved habitat to support local endangered species.
Durability and Recyclability
Renewable energy projects have lifespans that can significantly exceed those of coal and gas. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, for example, can remain operational for 40 years. The panels on the roof of my house are guaranteed for 45 years. Renewable energy equipment is also much more readily recyclable than coal, gas and nuclear facilities which are polluted with toxic chemicals. Materials in solar panels, wind turbines and batteries are valuable. This incentivises their recycling. Durability, coupled with recycling and repurposing, contributes to a significant reduction in waste and mitigates the environmental footprint of renewable energy systems compared to fossil fuels.
To sum it up, the evidence is clear. All energy systems have an environmental impact. But the impacts of renewable energy are significantly lower than those of fossil fuels. The biggest threat to Australia's koalas is climate change, not wind or solar farms. The same goes for all our precious biodiversity. Renewables are an important part of the solution to saving our species.
Last year, I wrote this article on how wind farms benefit not threaten whales.
