Effects of renewable energy on landscape in Europe: Comparison of hydro, wind, solar, bio-, geothermal and infrastructure energy landscapes

Abstract

Landscape quality has become a fundamental issue in the development of renewable energy (henceforth abbreviated RE) projects. Rapid technological advances in RE production and distribution, coupled with changing policy frameworks, bring specific challenges during planning in order to avoid degradation of landscape quality. The current work provides a comprehensive review on RE landscapes and the impacts of RE systems on landscape for most European countries. It is based on a review by an interdisciplinary international team of experts of empirical research findings on landscape impacts of RE from thirty-seven countries that have participated in the COST Action TU1401 Renewable Energy and Landscape Quality (RELY).

Managing Conflicts with Local Communities over the Introduction of Renewable Energy: The Solar-Rush Experience in Japan

“…Thirdly, we review studies based on the socio-spatial approach. Based on the work of Frolova et al [2], we reviewed the literature focusing on solar and wind power that are particularly characterized by conflicts with local communities.…”

“…In rural areas where beautiful landscapes are a local resource, such facilities may disrupt the natural landscape, which may reduce tourism income. Frolova et al [2] indicated that the artificial solar power structures contrasted considerably with the natural landscape. Secondly, if the installation is located on a slope, it is perceived to be a problem.…”

“…Due to the difficulty in solving conflicts between those developing renewable energy and the local communities, many renewable energy facilities are still operating in the face of conflict. Frolova et al [2] point out that in European countries, various renewable energy technologies have affected land use and the landscape, based on a review of Land 2020, 9, 290 2 of 20 empirical research on renewable energy from thirty-seven countries. Among them, wind and solar power plants added strongly contrasting artificial elements to the landscape.…”

Land-Use Change Impacts from Sustainable Hydropower Production in EU28 Region: An Empirical Analysis

“…Likewise, Frolova [16,17] explored the structural and social processes from which river and hydropower ecosystems have emerged, indicating that the institutional growth of the river landscape in Spain has been closely linked to the growing importance of environmental concerns. Similarly, Frolova, et al [18], investigated the effects of hydropower on the landscape in Europe, concluding that in conjunction with evolving policy structures, rapid technological developments in hydropower development, and distribution face particular challenges during planning to avoid deterioration of landscape quality. Identically, Bohlen and Lewis [19], examined the economic impacts of hydropower dams on property residential values using a geographic information system.…”

Evolution of Energy Landscapes: A Regional Case Study in the Western Netherlands

“…Pasqualetti and Stremke have put forward a framework for the systematic study of energy landscapes-published in a special issue of Energy Research & Social Science entitled 'Spatial Adventures in Energy Studies: Emerging Geographies of Energy Production and Use' [25]. Below, we summarize the three qualifications that were employed in our research and that of other scientists (see, e.g., [32,33]).…”