Optimizing on utility-scale solar for conservation of pristine landscapes and ecosystems: the case of Rodrigues Island

Countries worldwide have pledged to phase out coal by 2030, giving rise to a fundamental reshuffling of the dynamics of energy demand and supply. Implementation of clean technologies to aid this transition necessitates space, whilst small islands face increasing land degradation issues. Furthermore, they are blessed with pristine remote environments that deserve enhanced protection in the face of the changing climate. In the current study, climatological, economic, legal, geotechnical, and environmental criteria are used to determine the most appropriate locations in Rodrigues for the constructions of utility-scale solar power plants to conserve native vegetation and protect vulnerable island ecosystems. Highly suitable sites identified include the regions of Terre Rouge and Pointe Coton. Both regions witness high levels of insolation (5.6 kWh/m 2 day), are located near grid transmission and road networks, and have adequate terrain specifications with low slope angles which conveniently face the geographic North for maximizing solar energy yield. With an estimated annual electric generation power potential of 228.9 kWh/m 2 , the regions of Terre Rouge and Pointe Coton favour the construction of solar power plants. The methodological approach presented in this paper is expected to be valuable for other small islands in their commitments to optimize on solar technologies whilst protecting native fauna and flora. Graphical abstract