Short-Sighted Visual Character Concerns in Renewable Energy Landscapes: A Case Study of South Australia

Abstract

Shifting global and local electricity production from greenhouse gas intensive and finite fossil fuels to renewable energies is straightforward in theory, however, in practice it is a highly contested area. Involvement of landscape architects in renewable energy projects continues to focus on issues concerning landscape character, visual impact and scenic amenity, rather than the significant contribution that renewable energy can make to mitigating emissions. Shaping and evolving strategic and statutory planning processes and legislative mechanisms that concern renewable energy landscapes is an important step in moving beyond existing shortcomings and constraints. This chapter explores a case study of South Australia, noteworthy for its proportion of renewable energy generation from wind and solar power. We recommend a statewide landscape data set be developed that integrates a broader spectrum of considerations to improve the realization of emerging REL technologies.