Land Requirements for the Solar and Coal Options

Abstract

The absolute quantity of land committed as a function of various energy decisions is an emerging issue of significance in energy planning. Since the 1973 Arab oil embargo sensitized us to the need to develop renewable energy resources, the attention which consequent land commitments has received has often been directed at various solar options. This paper reports the approach and results of a land-use comparison over the entire energy-supply cycle between centralized solar-based and centralized coal-based electricity generation facilities in Arizona. In this regard, the especially significant considerations for coal generation were found to be reclamation potential, transmission distances, and cooling water sources. For solar generation, the most significant considerations were packing and tracking factors, and storage strategies. The comparison includes photovoltaic and power tower systems, in terms of hectare/MWe*, as well as MWh/hectare over the life of the plant. Contrary to common impression, the amount of land required by coal and solar electrical generation was found to be comparable. Thus, as long as coal is considered a future energy choice, the issue of absolute land needs should not render the solar option at an automatic disadvantage. IN RESPONSE TO clear national need and a generally heightened level of awareness and curiosity over the past ten years, we have witnessed a significant increase in the level of scientific interest and research into energy issues. The response within geography is illustrated by an increasing number of publications and presentations on the topic (Blue, 1982) and the formation of an Energy Specialty Group within the Association of American Geographers.