The Nature Conservancy: New Site Renewables Right Map Helps Companies And Communities Identify Areas For Renewable Energy

New Milford CT

10 February, 2022

4:38 AM

Description

Press release from The Nature Conservancy: February 9, 2022 Low-Conflict Sites Protect Wildlife, Mitigate Risks, and Accelerate Deployment Identifying low-conflict places for renewable energy in the region is critical, as the central United States is home to North America's largest and most intact temperate grasslands, among the most altered and least-protected habitats in the world. It is "home on the range" for iconic wildlife such as bison, eagles, pronghorn, deer, and prairie chickens. "Renewable energy and transmission are critical to reducing emissions and slowing global temperature rise to ensure a cleaner future for both people and wildlife," stated Garry George, Director, Clean Energy Initiative, National Audubon Society. "The Site Renewables Right tool plays an important role in Audubon's analysis of clean energy planning and individual projects to make sure that conservation and renewables go hand-in-hand." With up to 75% of the nation's large renewable energy projects expected to be developed in the 19-state region by 2050, tools such as Site Renewables Right can help companies, state agencies, and communities quickly plan, permit, and purchase renewable energy in ways that helps conserve natural areas. Companies can use Site Renewables Right to meet their climate goals and support wildlife conservation at the same time. "The Nature Conservancy's Site Renewables Right map is an excellent example of data capture that helps organizations make informed business decisions when evaluating renewable energy projects," said Roberta Barbiera, VP Global Sustainability, PepsiCo. "Projects that are properly sited and developed support a sustainable and equitable clean energy transition, a critical lever in achieving our net-zero by 2040 goal and broader pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) ambitions." Energy companies are embracing this technology as well to help them achieve climate targets. "Renewable energy plays a critical role in Xcel Energy's vision to deliver at least 80% emissions reduction by 2030, and we're responsibly developing wind and solar resources to protect the environment," said Jeff West, Senior Director of Environmental at Xcel Energy. "We're committed to working with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and its Site Renewables Right initiative that researches and supports protecting wildlife and other natural resources as we provide a clean energy future for our customers." Researchers are also interested in the Site Renewables Right tool. "The Nature Conservancy is a recognized and trusted advocate for natural resources and biodiversity," said Brian Ross, Vice President for Renewable Energy of the Great Plains Institute. "The Site Renewables Right Map enables multi-benefit solutions for the critical renewable energy investment needed to address the climate crisis. Site Renewables Right demonstrates that developers, communities, and natural resource advocates can work in partnership to create a new energy future." Ranchers and other agricultural members can inform their engagement around renewable energy with Site Renewables Right. "I am a strong supporter of Site Renewables Right," said Ford Drummond, Oklahoma rancher and TNC Board Member. "It will help us be better stewards of the land by protecting wildlife and the wide-open spaces of the Great Plains, while also advancing opportunities for a cleaner energy future." For inquiries about the map, or partnering with The Nature Conservancy, email [email protected]. This press release was produced by The Nature Conservancy. The views expressed here are the author's own.