Renewable Energy Expansion Offers New Hope for Land Restoration
Renewable energy growth is reshaping land use globally, with projects integrating energy production and ecological restoration across diverse landscapes.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 20, 2026
2 min read
The global shift towards renewable energy is driving one of the largest land use changes in history, with projected expansion from 500,000 to three million hectares by 2032. This transformation presents both challenges and opportunities for land restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Balancing Energy Needs and Land Health
Experts at a recent UN conference in Mongolia highlighted how renewable energy infrastructure can coexist with land protection efforts. Examples include repurposing degraded mining sites in South Africa for solar projects and combining solar panels with vegetation and water management techniques in China’s deserts.
In India, solar-powered irrigation systems are enabling farmers to produce food and clean energy on the same plots, demonstrating how renewables can complement agriculture rather than compete with it.
Planning with Context and Community
UN Environment Programme officials emphasize that the success of renewable projects depends on thoughtful site selection and incorporating local knowledge. Projects must consider ecosystem health, water resources, and community needs to avoid unintended negative impacts such as habitat disruption or increased flood risk.
For instance, multiple hydropower plants in Malawi’s Shire River Basin have raised concerns about cumulative effects on fisheries and biodiversity, underscoring the need for coordinated landscape-level planning.
Innovations in Land Restoration
Technological approaches in China’s deserts show how solar installations can aid ecological recovery. Solar panels reduce evaporation and wind erosion, while water harvesting supports vegetation growth that stabilizes sand and supports local livelihoods.
These initiatives demonstrate that renewable energy infrastructure can help restore degraded land when integrated with ecological and community objectives.
Looking Ahead
While promising, these examples are not universal solutions. UNEP is calling for more case studies to guide countries in expanding renewables sustainably. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted, the world must simultaneously reduce fossil fuel dependence and restore nature at scale.
This dual approach is critical as nations navigate the complex task of scaling up clean energy while safeguarding ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
