Environmental Impact Assessment for Renewable Energy Projects: Risks and Solutions in Solar, Wind, and Hydropower

Abstract

Reducing global warming and promoting natural benefits are critical objectives for the global community, spanning various sectors and initiatives. The commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95 percent by 2050, along with promoting renewable energy sources, is central to this effort. Solar power development in regions with high solar radiation requires open, agricultural, or marginal areas, distinguishing it from projects that misuse valuable land. Social concerns, such as noise from wind turbines and changing landscapes, raise questions about visual impact and landscape rehabilitation. Impacts on flora and fauna, shadowing effects, and wind changes caused by turbines are important considerations. Hydropower projects also affect river dynamics through reservoirs and physical barriers, which must be addressed before implementation. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a valuable tool for identifying these issues, as it provides a baseline for analyzing project impacts and includes predictive forecasts. Managing these environmental and social factors, including potential legal challenges, requires adopting a management system early in the project. This paper will analyze the environmental and social impacts of renewable energy projects, focusing on case studies of solar, wind, and hydropower. It will also explore how EIAs can predict and mitigate negative impacts and present strategies for effective environmental management at the early stages to balance environmental and social objectives.