Renewables for Nature

Achieving a climate-resilient future, in accordance with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), requires rapid, sustained and far-reaching transformations in energy, land-use, infrastructure and industrial systems. Large-scale expansion of renewable energy can play a critical role in meeting the world’s growing energy demands and in the fight against climate change. However, even ‘clean’ energy sources can have significant unintended impacts to nature, if not properly planned and managed.  

IUCN recognises the critical need to support the global transition to renewable energy in a way that mitigates biodiversity impacts and contributes to conservation. This sustainable transition is essential to achieving both global climate and nature goals. Success depends on the active support of decision-makers at every stage of planning and implementation.  

IUCN is partnering with energy suppliers to promote the application of the mitigation hierarchy and best available measures to reduce biodiversity impacts associated with solar and wind power projects.  

Phase 1 

In 2021, IUCN partnered with the EDF Group, EDP and Shell to promote the application of the mitigation hierarchy and best available measures to mitigate biodiversity impacts associated with wind and solar power development. Phase 1 was carried out with The Biodiversity Consultancy and has involved BirdLife International, Fauna & Flora International, The Nature Conservancy, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. As a result of the first phase of this collaboration, IUCN and The Biodiversity Consultancy developed guidelines for project developers on mitigating biodiversity impacts associated with solar and wind energy development. 

IUCN and The Biodiversity Consultancy have joined forces. The project aims to identify criteria and tools for selecting the most optimal locations for solar and wind energy development. It will also explore how to minimise impacts in the responsible production of raw materials used in renewable energy components. 

Phase 2 

Since 2022, IUCN has continued to partner with The Biodiversity Consultancy and collaborate with key partners, including BirdLife, Fauna&Flora, Wildlife Conservation Society, The Nature Conservancy, and five energy companies – EDF, ENI, Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies.

Phase 2 has focused on three key objectives: 

• To promote the integration of cumulative impact assessments in renewable energy developments
• To promote the concept of and tools for spatial planning, to identify suitable areas for renewable energy infrastructure and generation
• To explore support and stronger demand for more responsibly sourced raw materials necessary to promote renewable energy components 

IUCN hosted a series of webinars to present new guidance on the renewable industry’s role in achieving nature goals. The three webinars – on 6, 13 and 20 March 2025 – were designed to help solar and wind developers, regulators, government officials, and local communities achieve their low-carbon aspirations, while safeguarding important landscapes and biodiversity. These webinars attracted an audience of over 1,000 professionals working at the interface of biodiversity and wind and solar energy. They are publicly available to watch on demand through the following links:  

Session 1: Cumulative Impact Assessment and Spatial Planning  

Session 2: Biodiversity Enhancement  

Session 3: Responsible Sourcing and Biodiversity  

Opportunities

Initial discussions regarding a possible Renewables for Nature Phase 3 occurred in late 2024, with a milestone of the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi on 9-15th October 2025 identified for an official launch. The intention is to convene a larger number of stakeholders and structure the work around multiple activities, thus providing an acceleration in the pace at which we deliver knowledge and tools needed by the key actors in the industry, governments and financial sectors.

The priorities for Phase 3 are: 

1. Support a robust application of cumulative impact assessment and strategic spatial planning for the global transition towards renewable energy as a key component of delivering nature positive contributions.
2. Support delivery of quantitative methodologies to demonstrate nature positive contributions from the renewable energy sector. 
3. Support implementation of sustainable sourcing of raw materials necessary to produce renewable energy components.

External stories:

Enhanced guidance with IUCN on mitigating biodiversity impacts in solar and wind energy development - The Biodiversity Consultancy 

Mitigating biodiversity impacts associated with solar and wind energy development with IUCN - The Biodiversity Consultancy