The Footprint of Power

Compare land use requirements for Solar vs. Wind vs. Nuclear.

📜 The Origins

Energy density is the silent hero of civilization. This tool compares how much physical space different energy sources require to generate the same amount of power.

🚀 Master the Tool

Select an energy source and a target output. We'll visualize the 'footprint' in terms of football fields or city blocks, highlighting the trade-offs of the green transition.

Energy Target
1,000,000 people

Equivalent to a city like a small town

12,000

Global avg ~3.5k, US avg ~12k. Higher consumption assumes industrial load.

Solar PV

0 km²
Moderate Density

Wind

0 km²
Low Density

Nuclear

0 km²
Ultra High Density
Relative Land Area Visualizer
0
Solar
0
Wind
0
Nuclear

Pro Tips

01Nuclear energy has the smallest land footprint per megawatt.
02Solar farms require vast open spaces but are getting more efficient every year.
03Wind farms can 'double up' on land by allowing farming beneath the turbines.

The Fine Print (FAQ)

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