Contribution to sustainable development: Re-development of post-mining brownfields

Abstract

Abstract The transfer of limited amounts of resources to the future generations is a paramount endeavor in the perspective of sustainable development, especially considering the problems like global-scale urban population increase, scarcity of non-renewable energy resources, and global warming. Considering all of these, a sand quarry in Adilcevaz (Bitlis/Turkey) that has ended its operations has been re-purposed by the district municipality, by installing solar panels on the site in order to turn it into a solar power plant and to produce renewable energy. The aim of this study is to inspect this particular project in detail to better emphasize the benefits of reusing brownfield areas for further sustainable development, with hopes to help in the pursuit of a solution for reducing emissions and avoiding global warming. The project involved in the study has attempted to take steps towards such a solution by re-purposing the quarry area as a solar panel farm. On-site inceptions, in-depth interviews, and literature analysis regarding the area were carried out as part of the study, and it was found out that such a repurposing and reuse as a solar power plant (SPP) has only one other example throughout the world for a mining area. The stakeholders were interviewed to reveal their thoughts regarding what their expectations and needs were, and whether they were happy with the results. Findings indicate that the project was a success in every regard, as the stakeholders were satisfied, the municipality began to sell the electricity produced, and public awareness regarding sustainable development has increased. The project presents a good and frontier example of sustainable energy development, and reflects Turkey's attention and care for the subject.