Building Climate Resilient Utility-Scale Solar for Extreme Weather

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Course Details

New legislation in Michigan requires utilities to source 50 percent of their electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and gives developers the opportunity, under certain conditions, to bypass local zoning and obtain land use approval from the state. In addition, recent climate research in the state reveals the frequency of extreme precipitation events has increased to its highest level on record. This situation presents new challenges to siting large solar projects predominantly on farmland susceptible to severe flooding and runoff.

This session demonstrates innovative zoning and inclusive participatory techniques to address resiliency and local siting concerns. Illustrating the use of drone footage offers unique aerial perspectives and immersive experiences. Presenters share best practices, including native landscape design and visualization techniques for screening and ground cover, use of drones for site analysis, and engineering techniques to enhance drainage, preserve farmland, and enhance climate resiliency. Learn how planners, attorneys, and engineers can cooperate to handle the scale and complexity of utility-scale solar projects. Consider how to facilitate a robust and conscientious approach to pre-planning meetings, public hearing preparation, and well-articulated final reviews to address applicable regulatory schemes.
Closed Captioning

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the challenges of developing utility-scale solar projects in rural farm communities and the tools to build capacity with appropriate local regulations.
  • Provide examples of opportunities to foster climate-resilient projects in the face of extreme weather events and local opposition.
  • Identify techniques to address stormwater management with the use of drones, innovative site design, and native landscaping with visual analysis.
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