BBiodiversity doesn’t stop at the design phase of a solar park. Much of its ecological value develops during the years that follow, shaped by how the site is managed and maintained. Since 2025, Klaer has taken on responsibility for ecology and biodiversity as part of its asset management activities, bringing ecological considerations into the long-term operation of renewable energy projects.
From design to operational management
Biodiversity has traditionally been considered primarily during the permitting and design phases of renewable energy projects. However, what happens after construction is just as important.
“You can no longer separate renewable energy from ecology and biodiversity. It is part of daily operations,” explains Jan Klijnstra, Business Unit Director at Klaer.
This approach aligns with research from the University of Groningen, which shows that the ecological value of solar parks develops primarily during the operational phase. Management decisions, such as mowing regimes, soil use and site layout, play an important role in determining biodiversity outcomes over time.
By incorporating biodiversity into its asset management activities, Klaer ensures that ecological considerations remain part of ongoing management decisions long after a solar park becomes operational.
From assumptions to structured monitoring
Understanding biodiversity starts with knowing what is happening on site. In 2025, Klaer continued developing a more systematic approach to ecological monitoring, moving beyond general observations towards measurable insights.
“Monitoring sounds simple, but it isn’t,” Jan explains. “You first need to decide what to measure, how often and with which method.”
Klaer’s approach focuses on key categories, including flora, birds and insects, using established ecological standards and working with specialised knowledge partners.
Field observations are combined with technology, including wildlife cameras, audio recordings for species detection and AI-supported recognition. Biology students also contribute to fieldwork, connecting practical asset management with academic research.
Together, these methods help Klaer track ecological developments over time and build a clearer picture of how biodiversity responds to different management practices.
Positive developments, with important nuances
Initial insights support findings from earlier research: solar parks can contribute to increased biodiversity compared with intensively managed agricultural land.
“At its core, you move from a monoculture to a richer habitat,” Jan explains.
However, the reality is more complex than simply counting more species. As habitats change, so does their species composition. Some species disappear while others emerge, and the ecological balance differs between locations.
Biodiversity is therefore not a fixed outcome. It is a continuous process influenced by local conditions, land use and management decisions. Understanding these differences is essential to determining which measures work best at each site.
Learning through practice
Not every ecological measure produces the expected results. And that is precisely why monitoring matters.
Experiences from 2025 showed that certain interventions, including experiments with ecological mowing and leaving compressed bales of vegetation on site, were less effective in stimulating biodiversity than anticipated.
“It is not always straightforward. That is why we actively measure the effects of our interventions; it is an integral part of the learning process,” says Jan.
These findings help Klaer adjust its management practices. For example, mowing regimes can be adapted to give insects time to escape before cut vegetation is removed. This supports both soil quality and species diversity.
By measuring, evaluating and adjusting its approach, Klaer continues to develop its knowledge of effective ecological management.
Balancing biodiversity and asset performance
Ecological management is about more than improving habitats. Measures must also fit within the operational reality of an energy asset.
“The theory has to work in practice,” Jan emphasises.
Vegetation management is a good example. Avoiding chemical pesticides and applying extensive management methods, such as mowing and grazing, can support biodiversity. However, these practices also come with practical challenges.
However, environmentally responsible practices do not automatically create economic value. Allowing vegetation to grow and dry naturally, for example, does not necessarily result in higher-quality biomass. Removing and processing this material still involves costs.
This illustrates one of the challenges of ecological asset management: balancing environmental benefits with maintenance requirements, safety and financial viability.
For Klaer, the objective is to integrate these considerations into everyday asset management, rather than treating biodiversity as a separate activity.
Building a measurable approach to biodiversity
Managing a large portfolio of renewable energy assets creates opportunities to learn from different locations and apply successful measures more widely.
By comparing ecological developments across solar parks, Klaer can identify which interventions deliver results and where improvements are needed. Measures such as habitat-supporting structures can be evaluated and, where effective, applied at other locations.
At the same time, the further standardisation of monitoring and reporting provides a foundation for measurable biodiversity indicators and future ESG reporting.
The ambition is to strengthen the relationship between management decisions and ecological outcomes, making biodiversity an increasingly measurable part of asset management.
Ultimately, the goal is not simply to introduce ecological measures, but to understand their impact and improve them over time.
It’s about continuously measuring, learning and improving. Only then can we make a real impact.
