Land-use change has generally been considered a local environmental issue, but it is becoming a force of global importance. With the aim to decarbonize the economy, specific European policies have pushed the transformation of many crops to photovoltaic electricity. The realization of ground-based photovoltaic systems (GPVs) requires suitable spaces producing several environmental impacts on landscapes and biodiversity caused by site modifications. The design of GPVs is mainly focused on the engineering aspects. This is due to a design gap between engineering solutions for the production of renewable energy and ecological or landscape issues. The concept of multi-functionality integrated into landscape design is a suitable analytical framework to develop sustainability strategies of land use for renewable energies. The aim of this paper was to develop and describe a multifunctional project applicable in multiple contexts in renewable energy versus water treatment and supply. The paper described the ecological applications of photovoltaic systems integrated with constructed treatment wetlands in supporting the provision of several ecosystem services like the water cycle, temperature mitigation, biodiversity improvement, CO2 adsorption, and food production. Multifunctional land-use approach, in the context of GPVs, could introduce new economic and social activities harmonizing different stakeholder groups' interests in a sustainable way.
Transfer of Ecology Approach in Ground Photovoltaic Engineering Design to Support Ecosystem Services like Water Supply
Semeraro, T;Aretano, R;Barca, A;Lenucci, M;
2022-01-01
Abstract
Land-use change has generally been considered a local environmental issue, but it is becoming a force of global importance. With the aim to decarbonize the economy, specific European policies have pushed the transformation of many crops to photovoltaic electricity. The realization of ground-based photovoltaic systems (GPVs) requires suitable spaces producing several environmental impacts on landscapes and biodiversity caused by site modifications. The design of GPVs is mainly focused on the engineering aspects. This is due to a design gap between engineering solutions for the production of renewable energy and ecological or landscape issues. The concept of multi-functionality integrated into landscape design is a suitable analytical framework to develop sustainability strategies of land use for renewable energies. The aim of this paper was to develop and describe a multifunctional project applicable in multiple contexts in renewable energy versus water treatment and supply. The paper described the ecological applications of photovoltaic systems integrated with constructed treatment wetlands in supporting the provision of several ecosystem services like the water cycle, temperature mitigation, biodiversity improvement, CO2 adsorption, and food production. Multifunctional land-use approach, in the context of GPVs, could introduce new economic and social activities harmonizing different stakeholder groups' interests in a sustainable way.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
