Energy vs. Space: The Critical Role of Land Efficiency(Part 5 of article series: Energy and Technological Progress: Bridging the Gap.)In the third part, we touched upon indicators such as the volume of resources required to create energy-generating stations and the volume of resources required as raw materials for energy generation itself.This gives us an understanding that when we talk about efficiency, we must not only look at the consumption of raw materials but also pay attention to the fact that the creation of the systems themselves also requires resources and has its own effect.Energy Unit per Area unit (EpA)When we address the issue of efficiency, we must also consider the amount of space required to build an EGS and calculate the produced energy per space unit, as the area is another most limited resource on our planet. EpA = Power Station Capacity / Used Area It is important to understand that the surface of our planet must be divided to meet multiple needs such as living space, farming, forests, and more. Given this reality, we must pay close attention to the efficiency of our technology in terms of land use.Multiple Demands on Limited LandOur planet’s land area is a finite resource with diverse demands: Residential Areas: The growing global population requires increasing amounts of space for housing and infrastructure. Agricultural Land: To feed this population, vast tracts of land are needed for farming and livestock. Forests and Natural Habitats: These areas are crucial for biodiversity, climate regulation, and ecological balance. Industrial and Commercial Spaces: Manufacturing, services, and commerce also require significant land resources. The Importance of Land Efficiency in Energy ProductionAs we continue to develop and implement various energy technologies, we must consider how much land they consume. Efficiency in land use is as critical as efficiency in energy production itself. Here’s why: Limited Space: With the Earth’s surface being finite and already under pressure from various needs, it is imperative that we use our available land as efficiently as possible. Environmental Impact: Energy projects that require large areas can disrupt ecosystems, displace wildlife, and lead to habitat loss. Minimizing land use helps mitigate these impacts. Sustainable Development: Efficient land use aligns with sustainable development goals by balancing the need for energy with the preservation of natural spaces and agricultural land. Urbanization and Infrastructure: As urban areas expand, the competition for land intensifies. Energy technologies that require less space can be more easily integrated into urban environments, reducing the strain on surrounding areas. What about the efficiency of our current technologies? Solar PowerWhile renewable and abundant, solar farms often require extensive land areas, particularly for large-scale projects. Innovations in vertical solar panels or rooftop installations can enhance land efficiency.Let’s take some absolutely different project to be more accurate in understanding of solar project efficiencyGonghe Talatan Solar Park with capacity of 10,380MW and area of 345 sq km (85,251 acres) EpA = 10,380 / 85,251  = 0.12 MW/Acre Al Dhafra Solar project with capacity of 2,000 MW, area 21 sq km (5,189 acres) EpA = 2,000 / 5,189  = 0.39 MW/Acre Mount Signal Solar with capacity of 794MW, area 15.9 sq km (3,928.98 acres) EpA = 794 / 3,928.98  = 0.20 MW/Acre We can see that the EpA for solar power is around 0.12 and 0.4 MW/Acre.Wind PowerWind farms also demand significant land, though the land beneath turbines can often still be used for agriculture. Offshore wind farms present a promising solution by utilizing ocean space.Roscoe Wind Farm, US take area of 400km² (98842.2 acres) with capacity of 781.5MW EpA = 781.50 / 98,842 = 0.0079 MW/Acre London Array Offshore Wind Farm, UK cover 245 sq km (60540.8 Acres) with capacity of 630MW EpA = 630 / 60,540 = 0.0104 MW/Acre Horse Hollow Wind Energy Centre, Texas, US with capacity of 35.5MW covers an area of 47,000 acres. EpA = 735.50 / 47,000.00 = 0.0156 MW/Acre Hydroelectric PowerThese projects can be highly efficient in terms of energy production per unit of land but often involve substantial land alterations and environmental impacts due to reservoir creation.If we take as a sample the Xiluodu Dam and its associated facilities excluding the reservoir basin, it likely occupies approximately 200-300 acres of land with capacity of 13,860 MW. EpA = 13,860 / 300 = 46.20 MW/Acre Nuclear PowerNuclear plants are relatively compact in terms of land use compared to their high energy output, making them an attractive option where land is limited.Nuclear power station covers area of 287,37 ha or 710.11 acres, with a capacity of 4000 MW. EpA = 4000 / 710 = 5.63 MW/Acre Gas and Other Fossil FuelsThese power plants generally require less land than renewable sources, but the environmental costs of extraction, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions are significant considerations.Gas power plant with capacity of 500 MW would typically require between 50 and 150 acres of land. EpA is between 3.33 to 10 MW/Acre Summary Hydroelectric Power Stations: 46.20 MW/acre Nuclear Power Stations: 5.63 MW/acre Gas Power Stations: 3.33 to 10 MW/acre Solar Power Plants: 0.12 to 0.39 MW/acre (25 times less than gas power) Wind Power Stations: 0.0079 to 0.0156 MW/acre (25 times less than solar) The obtained figures unmistakably underscore the significance of considering the generation per unit of energy in the occupied area, particularly in the context of contemporary energy technologies. It is imperative that we meticulously examine solar and wind technologies, among others, given their substantial impact on this crucial parameter.Given the growing energy consumption, we cannot afford to wastefully manage the territory, which is extremely limited and has no analog replacement.Understanding and optimizing the efficiency of our energy technologies in terms of land use is crucial. As we strive to meet our energy needs while preserving the environment and maintaining space for agriculture and living, we must prioritize technologies that offer the best balance of high energy output and low land consumption. This approach ensures a sustainable and efficient use of our planet’s limited and valuable surface.Because we must understand that every square meter that we occupy for one purpose or another, we thereby spend this extremely limited resource of humanity. Why have we perfect space-saving by mastering space efficiency with high-rise buildings in cities, yet failed to apply the same logic to our energy technologies? Where did our logic break down? To be continued …
