Forecasting Nature’s Footprint: Co-Building Biodiversity Metrics for Tomorrow’s Electricity Mix

This paper presents the methodology developed by RTE, based on insights from the WG, which combines quantitative and qualitative indicators to assess biodiversity pressures throughout the electricity system’s life cycle. The approach is structured around the IPBES pressure framework [2] and the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN) taxonomy, resulting in 12 subpressures grouped into five major categories: land and sea use change, resource exploitation, climate change, pollution, and invasive and other disturbances. A key innovation is the use of disaggregated indicators, such as land use (m²/MW) or water consumption (m³/MWh), for greater transparency. Life Cycle Assessment indicators are also incorporated to capture upstream impacts, such as material extraction and manufacturing. For some pressures, like bird collisions, species disturbance, or invasive species, standardized data are lacking; here, a qualitative approach based on literature and expert knowledge is recommended.

Importantly, the framework also identifies positive contributions to biodiversity. For example, how vegetation management under transmission lines or in solar parks can restore habitats and enhance ecological connectivity. By co-constructing tailored biodiversity metrics, this work helps integrate nature into energy planning, supporting an ecologically resilient low-carbon transition.