Renewable energy projects and species protection. A comparison into the application of the EU species protection regulation with respect to renewable energy projects in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark and Germany

Renewable energy projects, such as offshore and onshore wind and solar farms, including the necessary infrastructure, have an impact on biodiversity. Given the status of biodiversity across Europe, and the ambitions for the maintenance of species, limiting the impact of renewable energy generation units on biodiversity is of fundamental importance. This study offers an insight into the incorporation of species protection aspects in current permit practices, and contributes to the discussion on dealing with species protection issues in the process of upscaling sustainable energy facilities.