The impact of photovoltaic projects on ecological corridors through the Least-Cost Path model

With the dramatic development of photovoltaic power in China, its side effect on the ecological system has generally been attention to and systematically studied. This paper aims to analyze the potential impacts of PV projects on ecological networks through the quantitative assessment of the changes in the patency, length, and connection strength of the ecological corridors under scenarios with and without PV projects. The least-cost distance and least-cost path models are utilized in this research to establish the ecological corridors with ecological sources and resistance surfaces. The research is conducted at the proposed PV sites of Huabu Town and its surrounding areas in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, in East China. The PV project site selection procedures are also introduced in the research framework to determine the site under multi-factor decision-making. The results showed that PV projects could have various impacts on ecological corridors on a larger spatial scale, primarily resulting in decreased corridor patency and connection strength. Contrary to the previous research findings, the length of corridors is universally reduced due to the PV projects for prediction, which can guide the site selection with consideration of the regional ecological system protection. Through GIS spatial quantification research, this paper helps balance photovoltaic development and regional ecological security. It provides scientific and orderly planning suggestions for the healthy development of the regional ecological network. At the same time, it provides method reference and data support for PV site selection and ecological impact assessment in mountainous areas.