New Digital Tool for Better Renewable Energy Planning Launched

Community energy planners seeking more information on siting solar and wind installations have a new mapping tool to help maximize the benefits of energy projects across five Midwestern states.

Built from data collected by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and partners, the Renewable Opportunity Explorer tool is an interactive, digital mapping resource that enables planners to assess the feasibility of a renewable energy site based on a range of environmental and community attributes.

Using data available on the tool’s state-specific digital sites, energy planners and developers, along with local governments, landowners, businesses and other community stakeholders, can more easily identify high-opportunity, low-conflict sites for renewable installations.

The interactive maps on the tool allow planners to determine the feasibility of a site based on several factors, including:

• Existing infrastructure for energy transmission
• Vital, native habitats for animals and plants, such as prairies, wetlands and forests
• Brownfields, including abandoned mines and landfills
• Productive farmland
• Residential neighborhoods
• Recreational areas such as parks, lakes, rivers, etc.
• Other potential local benefits, such as new jobs and tax revenues

“Midwestern states need to remain competitive but also thoughtful as a region when creating renewable projects toward a clean energy future,” Dirkswager said. “Using data from the Renewable Opportunity Energy tool, planners can be better informed when engaging with developers, residents, policymakers and advocates about the impacts of wind and solar on local environments, communities and economies.”