If the Western US leans heavily on wind and solar through 2050, it would take about 30% more land than a business-as-usual path—roughly the size of Vermont. (Nature)
Nearly half of that buildout would fall in disadvantaged communities and three-quarters within 10 km of natural areas, a new study found.
The reason is simple math. A big gas plant might fit in a square kilometer—the same output from solar or wind can take 15X the space.
That makes siting policy make-or-break. If restrictions tighten around farmland, DACs, or natural areas, the high-renewables scenario could become unworkable in parts of the West—especially California.