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China is implementing an idea that everyone has already thought of: using deserts to generate solar power. As you will see, this move has had a real impact on the local ecosystem.
Solar panels that transform the climate
China has found a win-win solution from an ecological point of view: by exploiting arid zones, the Middle Kingdom has not only succeeded in producing “clean” energy, logically enough, but has also managed to improve the local ecosystem. Indeed, a study published in Scientific Reports by researchers at Xi’an University of Technology confirms that solar farms set up in the desert have a positive impact on the microclimate, soil properties and vegetation.
To reach this conclusion, the scientists used the Driving Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model, recommended by the European Environment Agency. Analyzing 57 indicators, they applied an entropy-based calculation model to evaluate their results. The results are clear: the Qinghai Gonghe photovoltaic park, located in the Tarlatán desert, is good for the local flora.
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The report states that the solar park’s ecological impact is classified as “general” with a score of 0.4393, while the surrounding areas received lower scores, described as “poor”.
The positive effect of the sun’s shadow
How is this possible? Why this “double Kiss Cool effect”? One of the most striking facts of the study is the way in which the shadow of solar panels modifies the environment. The researchers observed that these installations :
- Improve the microclimate by reducing atmospheric pressure and increasing humidity,
- Promote vegetation growth and the development of microorganisms in the soil.
In other words, thanks to the large shaded areas they produce, solar farms do more than just generate energy: they also contribute to the ecological rehabilitation of arid zones. Each study of this kind is further proof of the urgent need to think more carefully about where to locate solar infrastructure and other renewable energies. Renewable energies are spread over large areas and therefore have a major impact on the surrounding landscape and ecosystems. Let’s make sure this impact is as positive as possible.
Let’s not get too carried away either. Researchers stress that this transformation needs to be monitored over the long term to maximize its positive effects and minimize any negative impacts. Because yes, there are negative impacts too, as you’d expect. The “green revolution” isn’t really underway, and most countries – China being no exception – are polluting more and more every year.
