The global energy transition is no longer a question of if—it is a matter of how fast and how wisely. As the world accelerates the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the choices we make today will shape not only our ability to mitigate climate change but also the health of our ecosystems and the well-being of communities.
A recent Expert Insight from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights a crucial reality: the energy transition must be nature-positive. In other words, the growth of renewable energy must actively respect, restore, and coexist with the natural world rather than displace or degrade it.
IRENA sets out six guiding principles to achieve this balance.
1. Accelerate Nature-Positive Development
The siting of renewable energy projects is fundamental. By prioritising areas where clean energy potential aligns with minimal environmental impact, policymakers and developers can avoid unnecessary conflict between energy infrastructure and ecosystems. Strategic zoning, informed by data and mapping tools, allows us to deliver renewable power while preserving biodiversity hotspots.
2. Reuse and Co-Utilise Existing Spaces
One of the most effective strategies is to maximise the use of already-altered land. Rooftops, parking lots, and industrial sites can host solar arrays, while innovations such as fishery-solar hybrids demonstrate how land and water can serve multiple purposes. This approach boosts renewable generation without expanding into untouched landscapes.
3. Conserve, Restore, and Enhance Ecosystems
When energy projects intersect with natural habitats, conservation and restoration must go hand in hand. Scotland’s Whitelee Wind Farm, for example, combines large-scale wind energy with peatland restoration and recreational trails for local communities. Such projects show that renewables can enhance ecosystems and deliver social value at the same time.
4. Monitor and Adapt in Real Time
The use of digital tools, including artificial intelligence and advanced monitoring systems, enables adaptive management of renewable energy operations. In Uzbekistan, a wind farm integrates AI to track bird activity and adjust turbine operations to protect endangered raptors. This kind of responsiveness allows for clean power generation while safeguarding wildlife.
5. Repower Existing Infrastructure
Extending the life and output of existing assets is another critical step. Rather than expanding the physical footprint of energy projects, repowering can dramatically increase efficiency. In India, repowering initiatives have enabled wind farms to double their output using fewer, more modern turbines—delivering more power with less land.
6. Engage Communities Meaningfully
A truly sustainable transition requires social legitimacy. Communities must be consulted, informed, and empowered to shape projects that affect their landscapes and livelihoods. Sierra Leone has enshrined Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) into its regulations, while the Netherlands has pioneered inclusive planning through citizen participation in grid design. These approaches ensure the benefits of renewables are widely shared.
Building a Future That Works for People and Planet
The energy transition is not only about decarbonising electricity; it is about redefining our relationship with the natural world. If pursued wisely, renewable energy can become a driver of ecological restoration, social equity, and economic resilience.
But this requires deliberate choices. By following IRENA’s six principles, governments, developers, and communities can work together to ensure that the clean energy revolution strengthens both people and planet.
The challenge is urgent. The opportunity is immense. And the path forward is clear: the energy transition must be fast, fair, and firmly rooted in harmony with nature.
To dive deeper click here: https://www.irena.org/News/expertinsights/2025/Sep/Six-Principles-to-Ensure-the-Energy-Transition-Is-in-Harmony-with-Nature