Large-scale solar photovoltaic impact assessment in the context of the Brazilian environmental and energy planning

Abstract

Solar energy installations are growing worldwide, especially through large-scale photovoltaic installations (LSPVI). There is, though, a discussion between different stakeholders and professionals about the real environmental benefits and impacts of LSPVI. The discussion addresses the main role of environmental licensing (EL) for renewable energy installations considering the real impacts of such projects, criteria used to license and drive the environmental studies, and methods used to assessment and judge impacts and aid the decision-making process. This dissertations presents three papers that collectively examine the environmental impacts of LSPVI in three spheres: legal aspects, likely environmental impacts and their significance, and current impact assessment approaches in the Brazilian context. The first paper study the current environmental regulations for licensing LSPVI in Brazil and connect its role in the country’s energy planning. The second paper outlines potential environmental impacts caused by LSPVI comparing ground-mounted to floating systems. The final work analyses the impact assessment methods used in the Environmental Impact Assessment. Moreover, a multicriteria approach is also proposed to improve the current assessment process.