Research Highlights the Potential for Better Land Allocation to Support Renewable Energy Growth
A new study published in Environmental Research Communications has revealed a staggering contrast in global land use, showing that more land is allocated to golf courses than to wind or solar energy facilities in many countries. The research raises critical questions about land use priorities, particularly in light of the growing need for renewable energy expansion to combat climate change.
The study, led by Dr. Jann Weinand of Forschungszentrum Jülich, found that in the top 10 countries with the most golf courses, the total land area used for golf could potentially support up to 842 gigawatts (GW) of solar power or 659 GW of wind capacity—figures that exceed current installed capacities in many nations.
Land Use Priorities: Golf vs. Renewable Energy
While the land requirements of renewable energy projects are often a point of debate, the study highlights that golf courses take up vast areas of land while benefiting a relatively small, often affluent segment of the population.
- United States and United Kingdom dedicate more land to golf courses than to solar and wind energy combined.
- Solar farms require 0.01 km² of land per megawatt (MW), while wind farms need approximately 0.12 km² per MW—most of which remains usable for other activities such as agriculture.
- Golf courses, in contrast, require high water consumption and frequent chemical treatments, contributing to environmental degradation without offering sustainability benefits.
A Call for Smarter Land Allocation
Dr. Weinand emphasizes that the study is not advocating for the immediate conversion of golf courses into solar or wind farms, but rather for a broader discussion on land use efficiency.
“In the debate over renewable energy expansion, land availability is often cited as a limitation,” he stated. “Our study highlights the need to reassess how land is allocated—especially when significant areas are reserved for activities that serve a limited population.”
Implications for Climate and Energy Policy
As global energy demand increases, governments are facing pressure to expand renewable energy projects. The study suggests that reassessing land use priorities could help accelerate the transition to sustainable energy while minimizing conflicts over land scarcity.
The findings urge policymakers to consider repurposing underutilized spaces—such as commercial recreational areas—rather than focusing solely on agricultural or undeveloped land for future solar and wind installations.
With climate goals becoming more ambitious, this research highlights the untapped potential of existing land resources and the need for a strategic approach to energy infrastructure planning.
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