Rapid growth of renewable energy is straining nature: researchers propose stricter siting regulations

In Finland, the rapidly growing production of solar and wind power significantly affects both the environment and people. This finding is presented in a recent peer-reviewed article published in the Wisdom Letters series of the JYU.Wisdom research community at the University of Jyväskylä. Although individual projects are examined in detail, the current planning and assessment practices are insufficient for the management of the cumulative effects. The article, written by four researchers from the Finnish Environment Institute, the University of Eastern Finland, and the University of Turku, provides a series of policy recommendations.

The rapidly growing production of solar and wind power significantly affects both the environment and people.

Published

29.6.2026

Their key finding is that the cumulative effects of projects are not investigated comprehensively enough. At present, no single actor manages the overall picture of solar and wind power projects, which makes it difficult to anticipate and mitigate potential harms.

Power plant siting requires stricter regulation

The researchers interviewed a number of experts in land use planning and power plant planning. The experts found it particularly problematic that projects are mainly examined as individual cases. Project-specific reporting has become burdensome, while understanding of the cumulative effects remains inadequate.

The authors of the article emphasize the need to shift toward more strategic planning. It is essential to steer the macro siting of solar and wind power projects in a more sustainable fashion, based on up-to-date knowledge about the state of nature.

“The rapid energy transition has increased the need for strategic spatial planning to a level unparalleled in past decades,” says Senior Researcher Jonne Hytönen from the Finnish Environment Institute. “This poses an exceptional challenge to planning, calling for ecologically justified control over siting.”

One major shortcoming concerns ecological interconnections and so-called ecological corridors. With regard to their role in the planning of solar and wind power, there is a need for more research knowledge that can be readily applied by companies and public authorities.

“Information to support practical planning should be made more readily available,” states Senior Researcher Tuulia Puustinen from the University of Eastern Finland. “Clearly presented information would guide expert work and facilitate the development of adequate solutions in a sustainable way.”

Recommendations for legislation and land use planning

The publication presents 12 policy recommendations to mitigate the ecological harms of the energy transition. The recommendations highlight the means by which it is possible to steer the macro siting of projects in different ways:

The role of regional land use planning should be maintained as an essential instrument in managing the cumulative effects of projects.
The ecological requirements for land use plans should be made stricter, particularly to ensure ecological connectivity.
National energy strategies should clearly set out policies to prevent the loss of biodiversity.

The study is based on extensive expert data

The study is based on extensive expert data, involving interviews with more than 50 planning experts from different parts of Finland as well as findings from several research projects. The data offers a comprehensive picture of the challenges and developmental needs of current planning practices.

More information:

The Wisdom Letters publication and recommendations: “Ekologinen energiasiirtymä: Suosituksia kestävämpään tuuli- and aurinkovoiman suunnitteluun” is available at: https://doi.org/10.17011/wl/16
Wisdom Letters is an interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed, open-access journal focusing on sustainability transitions and planetary well-being, produced by the University of Jyväskylä School of Resource Wisdom (JYU.Wisdom). Wisdom Letters provides policy recommendations that can be used in policymaking, education and civil society.

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