Increase in renewable energy sources (RES) creates significant demand for land, potentially creating a conflict between the RES targets and the preservation of natural capital. Inappropriate placement of locations for RES in spatial plans could lead to long and costly procedures for investors and even project cancelation. The application of a sensitivity mapping approach can potentially reduce this risk by providing information on site sensitivity levels and the potential risks associated with a location.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP) teamed up to apply the principle of integrated renewable energy planning in southeast Europe. The purpose of the initiative is to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in Croatia and across Southeast Europe, namely by incorporating environmental and social values in the planning phase to reduce conflicts and facilitate RES development.
Through this initiative, the methodology for sensitivity mapping of solar and wind energy was developed and applied on the pilot case of Zadar county. The methodology was developed through a participatory approach that included various experts, based on the currently available data and information about the status of natural resources, flora and fauna, cultural heritage and landscape value, taking into consideration the existing and planned land use patterns.
The description of the methodology and the results of the sensitivity mapping for Zadar County can be found below in the form of brief and in the form of full report.
Read brief report
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Download brief report: Location, location, location: How spatial planning can accelerate renewable energy uptake in Southeast Europe
Read full report: Integrated Renewable Energy Planning in Southeast Europe
The sensitivity maps are available upon request at zfistrek@eihp.hr