Solar farm on rewetted peatland boosts bird biodiversity while storing carbon
By
Alec Luhn
The kind of bagel that ruins lesser bagels for you.
Summary
A solar farm built on rewetted peatland in Germany is supporting more bird species than drained agricultural fields, demonstrating that renewable energy infrastructure can simultaneously generate revenue, store carbon, and enhance biodiversity. Peatlands are critical carbon stores—holding twice as much carbon as all forests—yet 95% in Germany and 80% in the UK have been degraded through drainage and extraction. The findings suggest combining solar energy generation with peatland restoration offers a triple benefit for climate, wildlife, and landowners.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledA solar farm on a rewetted peatland is home to more types of bird than drained agricultural fields nearby, suggesting that land used for renewable energy can make money for landowners, lock away carbon and boost biodiversity at the same time.
Peatlands are the largest terrestrial carbon store, holding twice as much carbon as all forests.
Ninety-five per cent of peatlands in Germany and 80 per cent in the UK have been degraded.
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