A Duke Energy solar power plant in Indiana is helping renew and increase populations of so-called “pollinator species”, important to the growth and reproduction of flowers and food plants.
Parts of the 1.6MW Tippecanoe solar plant site at the Discovery Park District, near Purdue University, have been planted in native wildflowers.
This area will create a rich habitat supporting a diverse population of birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators, said Duke.
The pollinator garden has been recognised by the Indiana Wildlife Federation and National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat programme.
The planting will also decrease Duke Energy’s operating and maintenance costs while providing habitat for endangered pollinator species.
Tippecanoe entered commercial operation in late 2019.
While somewhere between 75% and 95% of all pollinating plants need help with pollination, many pollinator populations are in decline, due in part to a loss of nesting and feeding habits.