An assessment of Land Use Data Bases for location and spatial distribution of solar and wind energy in Spain

Abstract

The implementation of renewable energies is one of the most outstanding actions that are included in the policies of reduction of greenhouse gases. This is one of the most important global factors of its implementation. However, from a territorial and local perspective, there are other factors, such as the relationship with the landscape, land uses, the environment and socio-economic activities, which make it necessary to develop spatial information sources, characteristics and the way in which renewable energies are implemented. This work has the objective of assessing the possibilities offered by the ‘Land Use Information System in Spain’ (SIOSE) to carry out various analyses related to the location patterns of solar and wind energy installations in the Spanish mainland. In order to make the assessment, the degree of implantation of wind and solar energy production facilities is analysed, as well as their distribution by regions. At the same time and in combination with the CORINE Land Cover source, it is clear that land use and land cover are being occupied by these energies, and that urban uses are closer to the production facilities. Finally, using altitudinal information and databases of protected natural spaces, it is observed that there are important differences between solar and wind energy in the degree of soil occupation within these spaces.