Climate change and air pollution threaten ecosystems and human health. To succeed, energy transition and nature must advance together, guided by six principles for a truly nature-positive approach.
Energy transition and nature: where renewables and biodiversity meet
Climate change and air pollution are accelerating the shift toward renewable energy. Yet energy transition and nature must go hand in hand, to ensure that solar, wind, and new power grids do not undermine biodiversity.
This challenge has been taken up by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and CLEANaction, a global coalition of companies and associations linking energy and nature. Together, they have identified six guiding principles for building a truly nature-positive energy system.
Energy transition and nature: developing suitable areas
The first principle focuses on siting. Renewable projects should be located in areas with strong energy potential but minimal environmental impact, avoiding zones that are ecologically or culturally sensitive. In Croatia, for instance, combining environmental and social data with wind and solar potential has enabled more sustainable planning, reducing local conflicts and protecting habitats.
Dual land use and ecosystem protection
The second principle promotes the use of already modified areas, such as farmland, rooftops, parking lots, or decommissioned industrial sites. In China, the integration of solar power with aquaculture shows how energy transition and nature can coexist: solar panels improve thermal regulation, reduce algal growth, and enhance productivity.
The third principle emphasizes conservation and restoration. From reforestation to site rehabilitation and biodiversity offsets, these measures restore balance. A notable case is the Whitelee wind farm in the UK, where ScottishPower Renewables has led the largest peatland restoration project, while creating public trails and community spaces.
Monitoring, adaptation, and plant lifetime
Nature is dynamic, and projects must adapt. The fourth principle calls for flexible technologies and management approaches that can respond to new ecological insights. In Uzbekistan, Masdar’s wind farm uses artificial intelligence systems to safeguard raptors.
Another priority is extending the lifetime of renewable assets. Repowering and upgrading turbines or panels boost generation without new land use. In India, Narasus Spinning Mills doubled annual energy output simply by replacing older wind turbines.
Community participation
The sixth principle underscores the need to involve communities and stakeholders throughout development. In Sierra Leone, law requires free, prior, and informed consent from local populations. In the Netherlands, the government and TenneT co-designed grid expansion with 700 participants, balancing technical needs with social acceptance. Energy transition and nature, therefore, require inclusive processes that integrate both scientific and traditional knowledge.
An integrated approach for the future of energy transition and nature
For these principles to be effective, energy planning must align with global climate, biodiversity, and land-use goals. Practical tools and research are essential to connect technological innovation with local knowledge. Only then can energy transition and nature become allies, advancing renewables while halting biodiversity loss.
The principles are presented in Nature-positive energy principles: Environmental siting and permitting of solar, wind and grid infrastructure, a joint analysis by the IRENA Coalition for Action and CLEANaction members, enriched with policy examples and case studies.
