Careful site selection in Victoria's renewable energy zones will help protect threatened species, according to the Australian Conservation Foundation.
It has outlined how smart mapping will have myriad benefits in the long term in its Mapping Renewables for Nature report.
"Australia is making good progress toward a clean and affordable energy future, but we must plan and build renewable projects in places that work for people and nature," the report states.
"Poorly located renewable projects risk damaging the places and wildlife we love and eroding public trust in the energy shift we need."
The report outlines the need for renewable energy.
"Renewables like solar, wind, hydro and storage are the fastest way to cut climate pollution and protect nature for future generations," it states.
"If we act wisely, renewables can cut emissions, halt and reverse nature destruction and deliver lasting benefits for communities across the country.
"Renewables already supply almost half of Australia's electricity.
"We can build renewable energy and protect communities and threatened plants and wildlife at the same time."
The report said climate pollution was fuelling more frequent and intense unnatural disasters like floods, bushfires, droughts and heatwaves.
"These unnatural disasters threaten the plants, animals, people and places we love and depend on," it states.
"Our already dire extinction crisis is worsening, and we're losing the nature and places that shape our Australian identities.
"We know what needs to happen, and now we need urgent action.
"This report shows a pathway forward.
"We have the solutions and we know where to build them."
The report said the Gippsland renewable zone - a key dairy farming and horticulture area - was a suitable location.
"Our mapping shows that careful site selection in Gippsland allows for renewable energy expansion while safeguarding critical habitats for threatened species," it said.
"The draft Gippsland onshore zone has less land and less threatened plants and animals than our other study areas.
"There is still plenty of suitable land for solar and wind that avoids impacts to people and nature."
The central-west Orana, NSW, area, which is a key sheep grazing, wool production and cropping area, is well-suited for the project, the report said.
"By avoiding 30 per cent of land with the highest biodiversity in the study area, an average of 93pc of the habitat for threatened plant and animal species can be safeguarded," it states.
"Careful micro-siting and appropriate mitigation would help to reduce any remaining impacts."
The report also said it was important to restore trust.
"Renewable energy is powering ahead, but poor placement is slowing it down and eroding public trust," it said.
"Well-placed projects build trust, reduce delays and deliver lasting benefits for nature and people.
"This is where mapping comes in."
The report states that mapping helps steer development away from the highest biodiversity value areas and toward already cleared land.
"It helps us protect endangered species like koalas and greater gliders, respect migratory pathways and avoid the critical habitats of our threatened plants, animals and ecosystems," it said.
"Without smart mapping, we risk poorly located projects that harm nature."