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What are the environmental impact of concentrated solar energy in terms of land use? what is the acre/MWh?

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Land use, land-use change and forestry

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Concentrated solar power

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Concentrated solar power (CSP) technology has significant environmental impacts in terms of land use. Mirrors, the most land-intensive element of CSP infrastructure, can occupy over 90% of the land, with a median land transformation of 0.4 m²/MWh and a capacity-based land-use efficiency of 40 W/m² . Different CSP technologies have varying impacts on the environment, including water consumption, land use, emissions of gases, impact on flora and fauna, and visual impact . Transitioning to solar energy can lead to deforestation for installation, impacting the environment during construction, operation, and decommissioning . Solar energy expansion may require 0.5-5% of total land, potentially causing a net release of carbon depending on region, technology efficiency, and land management practices . Overall, the environmental impact of concentrated solar energy in terms of land use is substantial, with specific metrics varying based on technology and region.

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Open access•Journal Article•DOI The potential land requirements and related land use change emissions of solar energy. Dirk-Jan van de Ven, Iñigo Capellán-Pérez, Iñaki Arto, Ignacio Cazcarro, Ignacio Cazcarro, Carlos de Castro, Pralit Patel, Mikel González-Eguino - Show less +7 more 03 Feb 2021-Scientific Reports 68 Citations	Concentrated solar energy may require 0.5-5% of total land, with potential carbon emissions of 0-50 gCO2/kWh, depending on region, scale, technology, and land management practices. Acre/MWh impact not specified.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI Environmental Impacts of the Solar Photovoltaic Systems in the Context of Globalization M. Abid, Matta Kumar, V K Prabhu Raj, M. Jobi Dhas - Show less +3 more 01 Mar 2023-Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology 2 Citations	Solar photovoltaic systems have lower land use impacts compared to thermal power stations. The land required for PV systems is less or equal per kWh generated, with deforestation being a major concern.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI Environment impact of a concentrated solar power plant Mladen Bošnjaković, Vlado Tadijanović - Show less +1 more 23 Mar 2019 9 Citations	The environmental impact of concentrated solar power on land use varies with insolation levels. Land use can range from 1 to 3 acres per MWh depending on insolation.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI Life cycle impacts of concentrated solar power generation on land resources and soil carbon losses in the United States S. Rangarajan, Rebecca R. Hernandez, Sarah M. Jordaan - Show less +2 more 25 Oct 2022-Frontiers in sustainability	Concentrated solar power (CSP) has a land use intensity of 0.4 acre/MWh, with mirrors being the most land-intensive element, potentially leading to soil carbon losses and significant environmental impacts.

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What is the environmental impact of wind energy in terms of land usage? what is the Land Use (acre/MWh)?5 answersWind energy's environmental impact on land usage varies across different regions. In Brazil, where wind power infrastructure is concentrated in vulnerable ecosystems, 3.2% of the total wind cluster area was converted from native vegetation to anthropogenic use, highlighting significant land-use changes. Globally, wind energy is recognized as a clean and renewable resource with relatively minor environmental impacts compared to fossil fuels. However, the installation and operation of wind turbines can lead to noise pollution, visual interference, and negative impacts on wildlife, necessitating careful consideration of environmental implications before development. The Land Use (acre/MWh) for wind energy is not explicitly provided in the contexts, but the data suggests that the land-use impacts of wind energy should be thoroughly studied to make informed decisions regarding its development.

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What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?3 answersSolar energy offers several environmental benefits. Firstly, it helps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollutants, leading to improved air quality and public health. Solar power can also contribute to water conservation by reducing water withdrawals and consumption, particularly in drought-prone areas. Additionally, solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy, which helps to mitigate environmental degradation caused by the use of fossil fuels. It can replace traditional fuels like kerosene and firewood, reducing indoor air pollution and associated health risks. Furthermore, solar energy systems have a minimal impact on the environment and can be used at both large and small scales. The installation of solar panels can also be financially supported through grants and credits, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. Overall, solar energy offers significant environmental benefits by reducing emissions, conserving water, and promoting sustainable energy production.

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