Abstract

A Web Application for Informed Renewable Energy Project Siting
Track: Environmental Management
Authors: James Kuiper, Andy Ayers, Kevin Hlava, Pam Richmond

Planning and development of utility-scale renewable energy projects has increased dramatically in the United States, however it remains a complex challenge to locate project sites with good access to energy resources and suitable economic returns, while maintaining regulatory compliance and maximizing environmental sustainability. Argonne is developing a web-based interactive mapping application, initially based on data, analysis, and recommendations for the southwest U.S. from the Solar Energy Development Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. The application is intended to provide site-specific, screening-level information to developers, non governmental organizations, land managers, and regulators by providing custom reports on ecological resources for a proposed project extent, including aquatic resources, endangered and threatened species, wildlife, and vegetation. In the second phase the scope extends to visual resources, protected lands, and water resource themes, as well as adding information on associated regulatory requirements and potential mitigation measures.