Integrating Nature-Inclusive Design and Lifecycle Management for Biodiversity Positive Power System Infrastructure

This paper outlines a Return of Experience from using a Nature-Positive Lifecycle Framework on three major Indian power projects. The objective of this study is to demonstrate a real path toward biodiversity net gain. The framework combines the Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP) to quantify impact with Least Cost Path (LCP) and Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis

(MSPA) for smarter routing. Technical solutions include using High Temperature Low Sag

(HTLS) conductors to avoid using new land, underground cables to stop collisions, and retrofitting poles to reduce electrocution by 85 percent [8].

In Assam, the use of HTLS technology allowed for transmission upgrades without any additional footprint on forest and land. Similarly, the project at Dampa Tiger Reserve achieved almost no impact on local biodiversity thanks to optimized routing. When applied to the GIB, the data shows that without proposed interventions, the species faces a 99.8 percent chance of extinction within 25 years. However, with this framework, the population can stabilize and potentially recover to more than 200 birds by 2050. This research provides utility companies with a scalable methodology to hit energy targets while protecting critical habitats. We have detailed a four-phase roadmap with an investment of INR 2,600 to 3,700 crore over 10 years, which remains financially viable through 20 to 25 year payback periods. This strategy positions India as a global leader in proving that expanding renewable energy and restoring biodiversity are actually compatible goals. The paper is intended to support system planners and utilities in evaluating transmission design choices under biodiversity-sensitive and ecologically constrained conditions