ABSTRACT

Environmental assessment (EA) is an important entry point to the development of renewable energy projects, yet the role of EA in the renewable energy sector remains poorly understood in comparison to its role in assessing and managing the potential impacts of traditional fossil fuel-based energy developments. This paper examines the requirements and provisions of EA for renewable energy development, specifically wind energy development, across Canada and the implications for renewable energy transition. Results show considerable variability in EA requirements and provisions for wind energy, including such factors as EA timelines, screening approaches, proponent responsibilities for consultation, and whether a proposed wind energy development even triggers an EA review. Differences in EA systems and procedures for wind energy projects may have implications for the predictability of EA and the relative attractiveness of certain jurisdictions for wind energy developers. As countries transition to renewable energy technologies to meet climate change targets and to deliver sustainable energy to remote and developing regions, the role of EA in balancing good environmental reviews with the pressing need to build and operate renewable power production requires further attention. This paper outlines four areas where improvements are needed in EA systems to meet these dual objectives.

摘要

环境评估（EA）是开发可再生能源项目的重要切入点，但是与评估和管理传统化石燃料基能源的潜在影响相比，EA在可再生能源领域的作用仍然知之甚少发展。本文研究了EA对加拿大可再生能源发展（特别是风能发展）的要求和规定，以及对可再生能源转型的影响。结果显示，EA的风能要求和规定存在很大差异，包括EA时间表，筛选方法，支持的咨询责任以及拟议的风能开发是否会触发EA审查等因素。风能项目的EA系统和程序的差异可能会影响EA的可预测性以及某些辖区对风能开发商的相对吸引力。随着各国过渡到可再生能源技术以实现气候变化目标并向偏远和发展中地区提供可持续能源，EA在平衡良好的环境审查与建设和运营可再生能源生产的迫切需求之间的平衡需要进一步关注。本文概述了需要在EA系统中进行改进以实现这些双重目标的四个领域。随着各国过渡到可再生能源技术以实现气候变化目标并向偏远和发展中地区提供可持续能源，EA在平衡良好的环境审查与建设和运营可再生能源生产的迫切需求之间的平衡需要进一步关注。本文概述了需要在EA系统中进行改进以实现这些双重目标的四个领域。随着各国过渡到可再生能源技术以实现气候变化目标并向偏远和发展中地区提供可持续能源，EA在平衡良好的环境审查与建设和运营可再生能源生产的迫切需求之间的平衡需要进一步关注。本文概述了需要在EA系统中进行改进以实现这些双重目标的四个领域。