F3: Cumulative effects of the expansion of renewable energies on biodiversity

In this subproject, spatially-explicit models are developed to predict and evaluate cumulative ecological effects of the expansion of renewable energies. This includes effects on biodiversity, e.g. on planning-relevant species (groups), and on ecosystem properties, e.g. structural and functional connectivity. To this end, spatio-temporal characteristics as well as inter- and intra-annual ecosystem dynamics are to be taken into account and assessed by means of remote sensing, which can then serve as the basis for assessing and forecasting cumulative ecological impacts. This innovative assessment approach is intended to significantly improve the planning of new renewable energy plants and make it possible to take ecological impacts into account in the best possible way – without standing in the way of the overall expansion targets for renewable energies. Close cooperation with the other sub-projects on the basis of a reference energy park in southern Germany plays an important role here, so that concrete expansion concepts and scenarios can be taken into account.

Doctoral Student: Sampath Buddhika Weerappulli

First (Main) Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Matthias Mauder

Second Supervisor: N. N.