Sustainable solar energy refers to taking a lifecycle approach to the development and operations of a power generation asset, which supports circular economy principles as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and integration of Enel’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) model.

Improving solar energy development and generation practices can provide substantial benefits for both the environment and local economies.

Enel Green Power, in partnership with global engineering and consulting firm Arup, have collaborated on this new publication to uncover the future of sustainable solar energy development through dual use solar. This paper will explore:

• How the energy industry can advance low impact technology deployment
• The creation of pollinator habitats on solar fields
• The coexistence of solar energy and agriculture production
• A circular supply chain for utility-scale solar power
• Positive impacts for the local economy and for the land use
• The shift from renewable energy to sustainable energy

Highlights

The future of solar involves successfully applying circular economy principles to transition to sustainable energy:

• Faster carbon return on investment (ROI) and reduced embodied carbon
• Energy, water and waste operational performance improvements
• Agricultural productivity alongside solar
• Long term shared value creation through landowner and community partnerships

A paper on the future of solar energy development with the integration of ecosystems and the adoption of circular economy principles beginning with design. Brought by Enel Green Power and Arup.