Ecosystem Stewardship in Developing Renewable Energy Projects

In the search for sustainable solutions to meet the world’s energy needs, the development of renewable energy has become a clear and strategic trend. The International Energy Agency (IAE) reported earlier this year that during 2023, annual renewable capacities added worldwide increased by almost 50% to nearly 510 gigawatts (GW), the fastest growth rate in the past two decades. (Renewables 2023 Analysis And Forecast To 2028, 2024).

Dependence on fossil fuels has posed numerous environmental and economic challenges, which is why, in the fight against climate change, a commitment to sustainable energy sources is essential. Globally, renewables power nearly 30% of energy consumption in the electricity sector (Moran, 2024), which not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also contributes significantly to economic and social development by creating green jobs and promoting energy self-sufficiency. Maximizing the use of these renewable sources is essential to build a cleaner and more sustainable future for the next generations; however, it is essential that the implementation of these projects is carried out with a firm commitment to the care of ecosystems, ensuring that technological and economic progress does not harm the environment.

Multilateral Collaboration: The Formula to Make It Happen

Today, the energy sector must not only comply with domestic and international environmental regulations, but also adopt a proactive approach to the implementation of sustainable practices and clean technologies that favor energy generation without compromising the natural environment. 

These needs generate at the same time many opportunities where collaboration with local communities, governments and non-governmental organizations and the education sector can enable them to ensure that expectations about energy sustainability and environmental concerns are adequately addressed. By joining forces, stakeholders can share knowledge, experience and resources, enabling the creation of energy projects that, within their scope, prioritize the care of the ecosystems in which they are developed. 

This synergy facilitates the integration of innovative and sustainable approaches that mitigate environmental impact while optimizing energy efficiency and strengthening social commitment. The objective of this approach is to establish practices that ensure a harmonious coexistence between energy development and environmental conservation, guaranteeing a balance that benefits both people and the planet.

Prospects in Latin America

It is important to recognize that although Latin America has great potential for the development of renewable energies, thanks to its favorable geographical conditions, in terms of energy transition we still have a long way to go.  The World Economic Forum, in its report “2024 Fostering Effective Energy Transition,” has identified that, although Brazil and Chile are among the 20 best performing countries in the Energy Transition Index (ETI), the rest of the Latin American and Caribbean region has experienced the slowest growth in energy transition in the last decade.

The above speaks to the need for companies operating in the region to focus on developing renewable energy projects that take full advantage of environmental conditions to lead the transition to sustainable energy sources, promoting economic and social development with an environmentally responsible approach.

An exemplary case of this approach is the management of the Tres Mesas 3 Wind Farm, located in Llera de Canales, Tamaulipas. In this project, ENGIE Mexico has established a partnership with biologists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon (UANL) to create an enabling environment that promotes the conservation of local biodiversity. Since its opening in 2019, the results have been significant. A notable positive impact has been achieved in the protection of endangered feline species, such as the ocelot and the yaguarundi, ensuring that these species can thrive without the threat of losing their natural habitat.

In addition, the wind farm has implemented a permanent aerial fauna monitoring program. This program is vital for the study and protection of various bird species, ensuring that wind farm operations do not interfere with their migration patterns and behavior. Using advanced technology, in combination with the wildlife experts collaborating on the project, these patterns are identified and analyzed to mitigate any adverse impacts that the facilities may cause.

Thanks to these continuous efforts, the Tres Mesas 3 Wind Farm has protected more than 150 species of birds and more than 18 species of mammals, while adding to the generation of clean energy in the country; reflecting a model of how the renewable energy industry can and should work in harmony with natural ecosystems.

Respect for biodiversity is not only an environmental responsibility, but a necessity to ensure truly sustainable development. Let us continue to innovate and work together toward a future where the care and protection of our environment is at the heart of all our operations, ensuring that expansion and progress do not compromise the health of the planet.

Sources:

1. Renewables 2023 Analysis and forecast to 2028. (2024). At https://www.iea.org/. https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2023
2. Moran, M. (2024, 26 January). Energy - Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/es/energy/#:~:text=Las%20fuentes%20renovables%20alimentan%20casi,frente%20al%2064%20%25%20en%202015.
3. Brazil and Chile lead the energy transition in Latin America (2024, 10 September). World Economic Forum. https://es.weforum.org/agenda/2024/07/brasil-y-chile-lideran-la-transicion-energetica-en-america-latina/