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Impact of Siting Ordinances on Land Availability for Wind and Solar Development

Journal Article · · Nature Energy
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In the United States, many siting regulations for wind and solar developments are created at the county or township level. Here we survey local zoning ordinances across the contiguous United States to understand the types and frequency of ordinances that might impact wind and solar development. We identify over 1,800 ordinances for wind and more than 800 ordinances for solar in 2022. To understand the impact of ordinances on anticipated land availability, we use spatial modelling on the setbacks specified in the ordinances. Extrapolating the setbacks throughout the country can reduce wind and solar resources by up to 87% and 38%, respectively, depending on the size of the setbacks applied. These results indicate the importance of capturing setback ordinances in resources assessments so as to not overstate resource potential, especially when considering highly decarbonized futures.
Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office; USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Wind Energy Technologies Office
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1996228
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA-6A40-84862; MainId:85635; UUID:b33b497b-0855-439b-98e1-127f657fdb90; MainAdminID:70253
Journal Information:
Nature Energy, Journal Name: Nature Energy Vol. 8
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,SOLAR ENERGY,WIND ENERGY
county
land-use
ordinances
photovoltaic
siting
solar
wind