By Scout Nelson
Minnesota is currently witnessing a surge in proposed large-scale solar projects, with over 9 gigawatts (GW) requesting interconnection to the state’s power grid. These projects, while developed to serve broader areas, are often situated in communities that feel the infrastructure is primarily benefiting outsiders.
This perception is prompting a critical evaluation of the actual benefits these projects deliver to host communities.
The Great Plains Institute is spearheading an initiative to explore whether these community concerns are justified and how solar development can be aligned with local priorities.
This initiative advocates for a co-benefit approach to solar project development. This approach not only focuses on the generation of clean energy but also ensures that these developments offer tangible benefits to the localities that host them.
The co-benefit model is emerging as a revolutionary strategy in development, recognizing that even if clean energy is not a direct local priority, the process of developing these projects can still address essential local concerns.
These include agricultural protection, economic development, ecosystem restoration, and enhancements to health and safety.
For instance, integrating solar farms with agricultural land can lead to dual land use where farming and energy production coexist, thereby preserving agricultural land and supporting local economies.
Similarly, the restoration of ecosystems and the improvement of local infrastructure can enhance community health and safety, making solar projects a catalyst for broader community development.
This approach seeks to transform the perspective on solar projects from merely being power suppliers to becoming assets that actively contribute to the wellbeing of the host communities. It involves local stakeholders in the planning process, ensuring that their interests and priorities are considered and addressed.
As Minnesota continues to expand its solar capacity, this co-benefit approach could serve as a model for other states, promoting a more holistic view of renewable energy projects as vehicles for local development and community empowerment.
The outcome of this initiative could lead to more sustainable and accepted solar project implementations, where the benefits are shared, and community concerns are mitigated effectively.
Photo Credits:istock-shansekala
Categories: Minnesota, Business, General