Land stewardship

Building energy projects with care for the land, wildlife and communities.

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Restoring native tallgrass

Protecting prairies in Texas

Restoring playa wetlands

Studying burrowing owl habitats

When we develop a clean energy project, we look at more than the power it will produce.

We look at the land around it, how it is used, what biodiversity is there, and how it can be protected or restored for the long run.

To us, land stewardship means working with local partners, restoring native ecosystems, improving habitats and conserving what is important to the communities we are in.

From the prairies of Kansas and Texas to the playa wetlands of the High Plains, we build projects for people and for the lands they live in.

What land stewardship means

To us, land stewardship means caring for the land and looking for practical ways to leave it in better shape as we build large-scale energy projects.

We work with local communities and conservation partners to understand what each place needs. That work can include restoring native prairies and wetlands, protecting wildlife habitat, and funding research that helps energy projects and native species coexist.

These efforts are part of how we build responsibly. From 2030 onward, Orsted’s goal is for every new renewable energy project we commission to have a net-positive impact on biodiversity.

Restoring native tallgrass prairies in Kansas

The Flint Hills region of eastern Kansas is home to two-thirds of the world’s remaining tallgrass prairie. To protect this ecosystem and keep it in a healthy state, Orsted has donated more than $2 million to the Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy. Together with local landowners and environmental partners, we’re conserving and restoring up to 3,000 acres of tallgrass prairie around our Sunflower Wind Farm.

White and gray clouds hang over acres of native tallgrass prairies in Kansas being conserved by $2 million from Ørsted.

A blue pictogram of a sandpiper, a native Flint Hills species whose tallgrass habitat is being protected by Ørsted.

Protecting native tallgrass prairies in Texas

From filtering water to storing carbon, prairies are some of the hardest-working ecosystems on the planet, serving people and animals alike. That’s why Orsted has taken steps to preserve almost 1,000 acres of the tallgrass prairie that grows around our Mockingbird Solar Center in Texas. In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, we’re preserving over 50% of the Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland, the country’s largest continuous stretch of this rare tallgrass.

This field of green grass and yellow flowers is part of Texas' tallgrass prairie, a rare ecosystem conserved by Ørsted.

A blue pictogram of a leaf, representing native tallgrass prairies' ability to store carbon and slow climate change.

Carbon storage

Prairie soil naturally captures and stores large volumes of carbon – up to 5 tons per acre! This makes preserving prairies an integral step to reducing carbon in the atmosphere, addressing both biodiversity and climate challenges.

A blue pictogram of a drop of water, representing native tallgrass prairies' ability to absorb water, preventing flooding.

Flood prevention

Thanks to their deep root systems, prairies can absorb large quantities of rainwater, helping to reduce flooding. This makes healthy prairies a key tool for protecting local wildlife and communities during heavy rains.

A blue pictogram of a bee, one of many pollinating species who depend on healthy native tallgrass prairies to thrive.

Increasing pollination

Native prairies are a major habitat for pollinating species, including bees, monarch butterflies, and birds. By setting aside areas for tallgrass, we can boost the biodiversity and ecological health of Texas ecosystems.

Restoring natural wetlands with the Playa Lakes Joint Venture

Playas are natural wetlands that collect rainwater and create temporary lakes that sustain native animals and vegetation. Together with Playa Lakes Joint Venture, we are restoring 500 acres of playas near our Texas wind farms, improving the health, functionality, and resilience of freshwater ecosystems used by both local wildlife and communities.

A flock of birds flying over Texas' natural wetlands, an area being restored by Ørsted and the Playa Lakes Joint Venture.

A blue pictogram of a waterbird, representing the native Texas birds, amphibians, and mammals who rely on wetlands.

Wildlife support

Amphibians, mammals, and birds all depend on playas for freshwater – especially migrating birds, who use playa lakes as key stopover points. By conserving playas, we are helping hundreds of native species thrive.

A blue pictogram of a faucet letting out a drop of water, representing the role healthy playas play in making freshwater.

Replenishing aquifers

Because they collect and filter rainwater and runoff, playas are a primary source of freshwater in arid areas. For local communities, restoring playa lakes will help refill aquifers, boosting clean drinking water availability in the region.

A blue pictogram of two leaves on a stalk, representing how healthy wetlands can restore nature in the High Plains region.

Restoring nature

Playas play a crucial support role for people and wildlife, and help ensure ecosystems function correctly. By restoring these wetlands, we’re increasing the healthy playas needed to make the High Plains region more climate-resilient.

Identifying owl habitats with Arizona State University

Arizona State University students have set out to discover how burrowing owls and solar panels can coexist. Funded by an Orsted grant, future biologists, ecologists, and data analysts are identifying areas in Arizona with high-priority owl habitats, and discovering restoration opportunities. Students are finding solutions for relocating displaced owls and helping energy companies understand how to responsibly construct solar farms alongside owl habitats.