A recent study conducted by students from the Universidad Mayor’s School of Environmental and Sustainability Engineering has shown that the La Colonia photovoltaic farm, located in the Buin district of the Metropolitan Region, creates favorable conditions for the development and conservation of various bird species, in addition to other environmental benefits.
Bird sanctuary at La Colonia photovoltaic farm
The project, carried out in collaboration with the company IM2 Solar Chile responsible for the construction of the plant, consisted of six months of monitoring. During this time, species such as loicas, cuculis, peucos, swallows, chercanes, queltehues, thrushes and quails were observed. The results indicated that the solar energy installation acts as a shelter for birds and the shade from the photovoltaic panels promotes the growth of certain grasses and soil regeneration.
[post_relacionado]It is important to mention that these findings are in agreement with previous scientific studies
In addition, the almost total absence of people and machinery at the PV farm contributes to a safe environment for nesting birds free of contaminants and external threats. César Mattar, Graduate Teaching Director of the Universidad Mayor’s School of Environmental and Sustainability Engineering, explained that the management of the area does not include herbicides or xenobiotics, allowing for natural vegetation growth without interfering with sunlight.
Commitment to wildlife and clean energy in Chile
The academic also noted that the study included a management plan for bird conservation, establishing biodiversity indexes, characterization of reproductive cycles, and analysis of how maintenance activities affect the species present in the area.
For his part, the CEO of IM2 Solar Pablo Maestri, pointed out that this project is aligned with the company’s ESG pillars. He stressed the importance of not only generating clean energy, but also considering the impact on wildlife to ensure a sustainable and responsible energy transition. He also reported on a cooperation agreement with the Universidad Mayor to develop training, research and management programs for avifauna in solar plants.
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Source: induambiente
Photo: Freepik