Brownfields Could Power the Energy Transition

Abandoned industrial lands called brownfield sites could help power the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Approximately 6 million UK households cannot afford adequate heating, a sharp increase in energy poverty since 2021. Simultaneously, Britain must deliver 70 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2035 to meet net-zero targets, enough electricity to power 35 million households.

England alone contains over 37,000 brownfield sites, many located in economically disadvantaged areas with low property values. Government registers show that these contaminated or derelict parcels resulting from deindustrialization range from 0.001 hectares to 157,945 hectares. Rather than remaining fenced-off environmental liabilities, these properties could host renewable energy installations.

Recent research demonstrates that converting brownfield land for community renewable projects including solar arrays, wind turbines, and ground-source heat systems could accelerate renewable adoption while reducing carbon emissions and alleviating energy poverty. Even minimal-sized sites can accommodate small solar installations, rooftop turbines, or deep-borehole heat collectors.

The United States pioneered this approach in 1999 with its Brightfields Initiative. The program transformed abandoned industrial properties into solar generation facilities across multiple states including Virginia, New York, Minnesota, Connecticut, and California. Federal support came through an Environmental Protection Agency mapping tool called RE-Powering that helps identify contaminated properties suitable for renewable development.

Britain has not yet adopted strategies comparable to America’s Brightfields Initiative. Brownfield property registers launched in 2017 focus predominantly on residential construction potential rather than electricity generation applications. Housing emphasis may limit opportunities given contamination requiring expensive cleanup before safe habitation. Renewable development receives little consideration despite many parcels located near urban populations that would benefit from affordable clean power.

Recent policy shifts suggest that the UK’s priorities are changing. July 2023 legislation modified energy regulations to promote photovoltaic installations on previously developed lands and building rooftops. A year later, officials initiated Brownfield Passport Program discussions aimed at accelerating derelict property redevelopment timelines. Research indicates that electricity generation should join housing as core redevelopment objectives.

Brownfield renewable development connects to energy justice through three principles. Distributive justice ensures fair resource allocation, with brownfield renewables supplying affordable electricity directly to low-income households and reducing fossil fuel dependency. Community ownership avoids profit-driven pricing while generating power locally, passing savings to residents after installation costs.

Procedural justice emphasizes inclusive decision-making. Brownfield projects should integrate public participation enabling communities to co-design solutions, exemplified by initiatives like Brixton Energy in London. Recognition justice acknowledges that many brownfield sites burden areas with environmental damage. Renewable projects can revitalize land, create employment, and improve conditions.

Community energy models where residents jointly own and manage renewables could deliver on these principles. Such projects have the potential to generate local employment and retain income within communities. However, contamination, regulatory complexity, and financing obstacles have historically slowed progress, with developers avoiding uncertain remediation expenses and lengthy approvals.

Targeted policy support including remediation grants, streamlined planning, and public-private partnerships could reduce financial risks while ensuring community participation. Benefits extend beyond sustainable energy to include biodiversity enhancement, cleaner air, safer neighborhoods, and increased property values while reducing pressure on undeveloped greenbelt land.

Bringing companies like GeoSolar Technologies Inc. on board through attractive incentives could help in accelerating the reuse of brownfields for renewable energy projects that serve the communities around them.

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