The large-scale generation of renewable energy (J. A. Mathews and H. Tan Nature 513, 166–168; 2014) can damage the environment.

In China, for instance, giant hydropower projects include 25 hydropower stations within 100 kilometres of one another on the Jinsha River, and 90 stations on 66 tributaries of the Salween River. These stations pose a large risk to local and regional hydrology, geology and ecology (see, for example, Nature 513, 154–155; 2014).

Conversion of wind kinetic energy into electricity generates noise, affecting local communities and migratory birds, and even local weather and climate (L. Zhou et al. Nature Clim. Change 2, 539–543; 2012). Furthermore, the manufacture of solar photovoltaic products can cause serious environmental pollution (see H. Yang et al. Nature 509, 563; 2014).

Development of renewable-energy projects should always take into account the long-term effects on the local natural, social and technological conditions.