The first comprehensive scientific publication in Poland on the reconstruction of meadow ecosystems at the Sulechów Photovoltaic Farms: best practices for the renewable energy industry

The Polenergia Group and the University of Zielona Góra have jointly published a scientific paper on the environmental impact of photovoltaic farms. The book entitled ’Green potential. Photovoltaics as an example of renewable energy supporting biodiversity’ is the result of research conducted by scientists from the University of Zielona Góra and the League of Natural Protection on the premises of the Farm Complex in Sulechów, which belongs to Polenergia. It is a source of natural information for specialists and laypeople, but also provides knowledge about the photovoltaic farms themselves.

The publication summarizes scientific research on the restoration of meadow ecosystems in the areas of Photovoltaic Farms Sulechów 1, 2, and 3, located in the Sulechów commune (Lubusz Voivodeship). Between 2019 and 2022, the company implemented photovoltaic projects covering more than 60 hectares in phases, with a total capacity of nearly 30 MWp.

How was the research conducted?

In 2021, a flower meadow was sown in the first section of the site, partially exposed to sunlight beneath the panels. In 2022, another area was seeded with a mix of native flower and meadow grass species. The selection of plants was developed in collaboration with nature experts, considering local soil conditions to maximize the potential for restoring biodiversity in the local ecosystem.

Naturalists from the University of Zielona Góra and the League for Nature Protection studied the meadows in Sulechów from April 2023 to August 2024. Their research focused on monitoring various groups of organisms, particularly the process of ecosystem recovery. The findings have been compiled into the scientific publication Green Potential: Photovoltaics as an Example of Renewable Energy Supporting Biodiversity.

Polenergia supports biodiversity restoration

In this publication, the authors (Alicja Dubicka-Czechowska, Paweł Czechowski, Olaf Ciebiera, Anna Chruścicka, and Marcin Bocheński) provide a comprehensive analysis of key challenges in contemporary renewable energy concerning local biodiversity, nature conservation, and landscape preservation.

The book also offers an in-depth discussion of biodiversity in the areas surrounding photovoltaic installations, an overview of current legal regulations, an analysis of landscape audit guidelines, and strategies for minimizing the environmental impact of such investments. It serves as an essential source of knowledge for naturalists, spatial planners, investors, local government representatives, and environmental specialists.

The development of renewable energy, especially photovoltaic technology, creates an opportunity for the restoration of biodiversity. This is confirmed by research conducted by scientists from the University of Zielona Góra at a photovoltaic farm in Sulechów and published in a joint book ‘Zielony Potencjał’ (Green Potential). Building sustainable value chains supports the energy transition, the development of local ecosystem services such as water retention and soil regeneration, as well as an increase in biodiversity, including the number of protected species. We share the results of our research and good practices from our long-term project with the public.

Adam Purwin

President of the Management Board of Polenergia S.A.

Partnerships for Sustainable Development (SDGs), including partnerships with scientific institutions, plays a crucial role in our projects. These collaborations allow us to establish good practices that support ecosystems and enable scientific evaluation of local ecosystem restoration. The presented publication is also an example of effective internal cooperation between teams responsible for construction, operations, and environmental protection. Such a comprehensive approach generates added value for all stakeholder groups, contributing to the achievement of shared sustainability goals. Photovoltaic energy holds immense potential, and we invite you to explore our publication, where we share research findings and experiences.

Łukasz Buczyński

Member of the Management Board of Polenergia S.A.

Sulechów Farms as a Sanctuary for Protected Species

The published research confirms the presence of numerous protected species of animals and plants at the Sulechów farms, as well as the rapid development of interspecies relationships within a short period.

This increase in biodiversity is a direct result of the deliberate and strategic project management changes implemented by the Polenergia Group over the years. It also reflects the impact of the company’s policies and strategies, such as the Biodiversity Strategy and the Environmental and Social Policy of the Polenergia Group.

Sustainable Printing Practices

The publication was printed on special, uncoated wood-free paper derived from renewable raw materials. The production process prioritizes responsible water, energy, and transport management, as certified by the Ecolabel.

The League for Nature Conservation, Zielona Góra branch, and the authors of Dzicyzapylacze.pl also collaborated on the publication.

We invite you to read the publication Green potential. Photovoltaics as an example of renewable energy supporting biodiversity.

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