Renewable Energy and Nature

Joost Notenboom

In this video, Joost Notenboom explains the biodiversity impacts of renewable energy projects, from resource extraction to project locations. Also understand the frameworks for mitigating nature-related risks responsibly.

Investment Management Sector

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Renewable Energy and Nature

14 mins 46 secs

Key learning objectives:

Identify the nature impacts of renewable energy across the supply chains
Identify the site level impact of renewable energy on biodiversity
Understand how resource extraction and land-use changes affect ecosystems
Explore mitigation strategies to manage nature-related risks effectively

Overview:

Renewable energy projects have significant impacts on biodiversity, from resource extraction to project siting and operations. Metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel are vital but disrupt ecosystems during extraction, refining, and manufacturing. Land-use changes for solar and wind farms often lead to habitat loss and fragmentation.

As investors, we need to be aware of mitigation strategies such as conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), using tools like GLOBIO for biodiversity evaluation, and following good practices in project planning. Businesses should also innovate and consider recycling materials, repowering projects, and adopting restoration measures at the decommissioning stage to minimise long-term damage.

By integrating biodiversity considerations into governance and strategies, investors and organisations can ensure renewable projects balance environmental impacts with their climate benefits, ultimately promoting sustainable practices.

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Summary

How do renewable energy projects impact nature (biodiversity)?

Resource extraction for metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium disrupts ecosystems, causing habitat loss and pollution. Additionally, land use for solar and wind farms fragments habitats, affecting local flora and fauna. Improper disposal of materials further exacerbates environmental harm.

What are the key nature risks in resource extraction?

Mining activities result in deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. For instance, large-scale nickel mining in Indonesia has severely impacted coral reefs and forest ecosystems. Refining processes also emit pollutants that harm air quality and biodiversity.

How do project locations affect biodiversity?

Solar farms require extensive land use, while wind turbines impact wildlife through habitat modification and collision risks. Poorly selected sites exacerbate these effects, underscoring the need for environmental assessments.

What mitigation strategies can renewable energy developers adopt?

Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments to evaluate local biodiversity
Use frameworks like GLOBIO to categorise and minimise land-use impacts
Plan for decommissioning by recycling components and restoring ecosystems

What tools and frameworks support biodiversity management?

Frameworks like GLOBIO provide detailed land-use metrics, while Environmental Impact Assessments ensure site-specific evaluations. Businesses can also integrate biodiversity strategies into governance models, aligning with global sustainability standards.

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Joost Notenboom

Joost Notenboom, a seasoned professional with experience in professional services, banking, investment, and funds management, is currently the Head of ESG & Sustainability at Omnes Capital, a French private equity firm focusing on energy transition and innovation, aiming to combine positive societal impact with attractive financial returns.

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