Combining Photovoltaics with the Rewetting of Peatlands—A SWOT Analysis of an Innovative Land Use for the Case of North-East Germany

Abstract

Reducing emissions from energy production and enhancing the capacity of land use systems to store carbon are both important pathways towards greenhouse gas neutrality. Expanding photovoltaics (PV) contributes to the former, while the rewetting of drained peatlands preserves the peat soil as long-term carbon store, thus contributing to the latter. However, both options are usually considered separately. This study analyses Peatland PV, defined as the combination of open-space PV with the rewetting of peatlands on the same site, and has an explorative and field-defining character. Due to a lack of empirical data, we used expert interviews to identify the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Peatland PV in the sparsely populated and peatland-rich state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in North-East Germany. The material was analysed using a qualitative content analysis and compiled into SWOT and TOWS matrices. Besides the ecological and technological dimensions, this study focuses on the economic and legal framework in Germany. We found that Peatland PV may mitigate land use conflicts by contributing to climate and restoration targets, energy self-sufficiency, and security. Continued value creation can incentivize landowners to agree to peatland rewetting. Technical feasibility has, however, a significant influence on the profitability and thus the prospects of Peatland PV. Although Peatland PV has recently been included in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), several specialised legal regulations still need to be adapted to ensure legal certainty for all stakeholders. Pilot implementation projects are required to study effects on vegetation cover, soil, peatland ecosystem services, biodiversity, hydrology, and water management, as well as to analyse the feasibility and profitability of Peatland PV.