The use of indicators as a tool in environmental impact assessment studies of Renewable Energy Sources projects

Indicators have been considered as an effective tool for data collection through quantitative and qualitative methods. They provide valuable insights and serve as a useful guide for decision-making, promoting social well-being and environmental protection. The present research focuses on the use of indicators as a tool for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Renewable Energy Source (RES) projects, highlighting their application as well as their contribution to sustainable development. The main categories of RES projects are examined, including hydroelectric, photovoltaic, wind, and biomass power stations, considering their environmental, social, and economic impacts. The methodology includes the following steps: (i) identification of the main environmental impacts of RES, (ii) definition of appropriate indicators (economic, social and environmental), (iii) deployment of indicators sheet and (iv) implementation of indicators in EIA studies of real RES projects to verify their applicability. 34 indicators consist the indicators’ set (8 economic, 7 social and 19 environmental) and relevant indicators sheets are deployed. The study concludes that indicators, as a tool for multifactorial analysis, are suitable for the comprehensive depiction of the impacts of RES projects and the improvement of regulatory frameworks. Therefore, their application can support the energy transition, making them an integral tool for sustainable development.