[Research Progress on the Cascading Impacts of Utility-scale Photovoltaics on Ecosystem Services in Arid Regions].

Authors

Si-Qi Yang, Yuan-An Hu, Li-Xiao Zhang, Tong He, Yan Hao

Published in

Huan jing ke xue= Huanjing kexue. Volume 47. Issue 6. Pages 4007-4016. Jun 08, 2026.

Abstract

Under the background of the "dual carbon" strategy， balancing utility-scale photovoltaic （PV） development with fragile ecosystem protection in arid and semi-arid regions has become a key scientific challenge in energy transition. With the advancement of large-scale renewable energy bases in deserts， gobi， and barren lands， research on the ecological effects of PV construction has increased， yet a unified theoretical framework remains lacking. Based on cases in arid and semi-arid regions globally， ecological responses and mechanisms are reviewed from the perspectives of "pattern-process-function/service." PV development alters surface radiation balance， microclimate， and land cover， triggering cascading ecological responses and resulting in complex effects. ① At the structural level， studies report significant changes in vegetation community composition and spatial distribution， promoting shade-tolerant species succession. Biodiversity tends to decrease under panels and increase between rows， creating spatial heterogeneity and disturbing wildlife pathways and habitats. ② At the process level， PV arrays reduce surface albedo and increase roughness， creating local cooling effects. Soil degradation is observed in early construction stages， but inter-panel zones show later improvements. Shading reduces evaporation， enhances soil moisture， and promotes vegetation recovery. ③ At the ecosystem service level， PV development is generally found to enhance carbon sequestration and wind erosion control， although the effects are highly variable across time and space， with potential trade-offs affecting habitat quality and agricultural and livestock production. Current research focuses mainly on ecological monitoring， while modeling studies remain limited， with uncertainties in applicability and regional representativeness. There is an urgent need to develop integrated models linking "PV characteristics-ecological processes-service responses；" establish long-term， multi-scale monitoring systems； and improve assessment methods for ecosystem services in PV regions to support coordinated development and ecological conservation.

PMID:
42336441
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 24 Jun 2026.

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