American non-profit organizations are calling on authorities to convert golf courses into farms to generate electricity from sunlight. Americans are less likely to engage in this sport, the infrastructure of which consumes significant water resources and leads to a decrease in the biodiversity of flora and fauna.
ZME Science reports that golf courses pose a number of environmental problems. In particular, short grass and human visitation pose significant barriers to biodiversity. In the United States, approximately 7.5 billion liters of water are used daily to maintain golf courses.
New York already has experience converting a golf course measuring almost 11 hectares into a solar farm in Kings Park. There are 18.36 thousand solar panels installed at the facility. The structure is capable of providing electricity to 1 thousand homes. The non-profit organization Citizens Campaign for the Environment advocated for the refurbishment of the field. The authorities estimated the conversion at $800 thousand.
ZME Science notes that the availability of such projects is increasing due to the low cost of solar panels and lower prices for most solar farm components.
Earlier in 2018, a golf course was converted into a solar farm in Independence, Missouri. Officials said preserving open space and increasing solar energy are important priorities for the region.
In April of this year, the research company FactSet presented a report from which it became known that in 2003-2018. The number of golfers has decreased by 7 million. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a negative impact on the entertainment industry. In mid-2021, the National Golf Foundation announced the closure of 60 courses, some of which have been actively converted into solar farms in recent years.
In Japan, the idea of building solar farms on golf course grounds has been included in the national plan. After the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the country is forced to look for new sources of energy that can become an alternative to nuclear.
In Hyogo Prefecture, a solar farm was built on the territory of a golf course measuring 27 hectares. The installation provides electricity to 29 thousand households.
The solar farm in Kagoshima Prefecture has a capacity of 100 MW. The golf course began to be refurbished in 2014.
Solar farms Spain
Solar farms in Spain play a key role in the production of clean and renewable energy. This southern European state has favorable climatic conditions, making it one of the most suitable places for the deployment of solar energy projects. Here are some key aspects of solar farms in Spain:
Development history: Spain is one of the first countries in the world to actively implement solar technologies. Since the early 2000s, it has become a leader in solar energy production thanks to massive investment and government support.
Geographical advantages: Solar farms in Spain are built mainly on flat land located in regions with high solar intensity. The southern regions of the country, such as Andalusia, Extremadura and Murcia, have ideal conditions for solar generation.
Technology: Spain uses both photovoltaic (photovoltaic) panels and solar thermal systems. Concentrated solar power (CSP) solar farms are also popular, especially in regions with high temperatures.
Energy Policy: Spain actively supports the development of solar energy through the introduction of various incentive measures such as subsidies, solar tariffs and tax breaks. This helps attract investment and develop the industry.
Environmental impact: Solar farms in Spain help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit dependence on traditional energy sources such as coal and oil. They contribute to achieving climate change goals and improving environmental sustainability.
Economic benefits: The development of solar farms creates jobs, attracts investment and promotes economic growth in the regions where they are deployed. In addition, solar energy is becoming increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources.
Solar farms in Spain continue to play an important role in providing the country with clean and sustainable energy, and their further development is expected in the coming years.
