Demands for green energy are increasing the need for land areas where, among other things, solar parks can be located. When Nordic Solar designs, builds and operates solar parks, it is particularly important for us to consider the nature in the land areas where the solar panels are placed. In this way, we contribute both to the green transition and to combating the biodiversity crisis that the world is facing. We do this, for instance by designing our solar parks with a focus on nature restoration from the beginning of the solar park project’s inception.

Nordic Solar’s biodiversity strategy aims to implement elements that attract increased biodiversity in all new solar park projects from 2022 and onwards, where it makes sense in relation to nature and the local environment. We do this, for instance by designing our solar parks with a focus on nature restoration from the beginning. This can be done, for example, by removing or adding soil layers, planting living hedges, restoring water ponds and placing fallen tree trunks around the solar panels, which in turn help invite biodiversity into the parks. We will also evaluate if it makes sense to launch nature-based solutions in some of our operating solar parks.

By planting a living hedge around the solar park, we can partly shield the local community, especially neighbours, from a direct view of the solar panels, allowing for better integration into the local landscape. Additionally, the biodiversity of the entire local area will also be enhanced as different species, such as, birds, and insects will have better conditions for moving from place to place and finding food.

A biologist first conducts a baseline measurement of flora and fauna before the construction phase of the solar park project begins. Subsequently, ongoing measurements are carried out to gather data on the types of flora and fauna evolving in the park over time. However, we do not expect to see the results of our efforts until 5-10 years later as nature requires time to develop. Nordic Solar has a humble and realistic expectation that our efforts will contribute to the restoration of nature in the solar parks and, ideally, enhance biodiversity in the local natural and environmental area.

This question likely has different answers. However, evidence suggests that in relation to conventional agriculture, which often has only one dominant crop, fields are considered deserts in terms of biodiversity for birds and insects. When Nordic Solar designs a solar park with a focus on nature restoration from the beginning, it allows for changes in soil layers and the addition of elements such as mixed vegetation, water ponds and living hedges. This benefits both flora and fauna and ultimately helps strengthen biodiversity in a given area as it provides more habitats for birds and insects, among others.