The generation of renewable energy from photovoltaic systems continues to experience a boom. Both on a small and large scale: on balconies and façades, on roofs and in the landscape. A considerable amount of land is required for the realisation of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems. In addition to wooded areas and agricultural land, higher-value sites, including those in protected areas, are increasingly coming into focus. This gives rise to environmentally relevant issues. Environmental concerns are usually dealt with in the development plan process, including any problems relating to species protection and the potential impact on the landscape. Compared to wind power, the conflicts with species protection, for example, appear to be more manageable. But is this all true? Can the increasing use of the landscape by ever larger solar parks be allowed to continue? What planning law control options are available today to prevent an uncontrolled proliferation of solar parks, even taking into account the current partial privilege?
On 15 March 2024, Dr Dieter Günnewig (Bosch & Partner) and Martin Janotta explored these questions as part of the vhw-webinar. Both lecturers also gave an overview of the remuneration and planning law framework conditions for various system concepts. Various case studies were used to illustrate spatial and quantitative control options, including the use of potential area analyses that take into account environmental selection criteria.
A selection of the potential analyses issued by FJP can be found here.