Revolutionizing Agriculture with Agrivoltaics: Bakersfield Leads the Way in a Landmark Partnership with Columbia University

I am beyond excited to share a transformative development in sustainable agriculture and energy. The City of Bakersfield, in a landmark move, has partnered with Columbia University's Earth Institute on an innovative 'agrivoltaics' study starting in January. This initiative is not just a project; it's a testament to the power and potential of public-private-academic partnerships in transforming industries and communities.

Agrivoltaics: The Future of Farming and Energy

For those unfamiliar, agrivoltaics is the co-development of the same area of land for both solar photovoltaic power as well as for agriculture. This revolutionary approach allows for the simultaneous generation of renewable energy and agricultural production, including crops and grazing through the use of elevated solar structures. Columbia University's focus on crops in this study is particularly significant given the rich agricultural heritage of the Central Valley, and more so, the Bakersfield and Kern County region.

Why This Matters

Here are some of the reasons why this partnership is a monumental development:

1. Water Conservation: In a state where water scarcity is a growing concern, agrivoltaics offers a solution to reduce water usage in agriculture while maintaining crop yields. This is especially true in hot arid climates and farming regions like the San Joaquin Valley.

2. Enhanced Crop Yields: Studies have shown that the strategic placement of solar panels can create a microclimate that benefits plant growth, potentially introducing new crops to the region.

3. Clean Energy and Improved Air Quality: By integrating solar energy, we can move away from traditional, often polluting, energy sources used in agriculture like diesel generators or utility grids that partially run on fossil fuels.

4. Economic and Community Resilience: This initiative opens avenues for farmers to diversify income and strengthens the community's resilience against climate change impacts.

The Impetus Behind the Initiative

This collaboration is a direct outcome of the Destination for Innovation campaign, which I've had the privilege to lead. Leveraging the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan, we identified key sectors - water, energy, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing - ripe for innovation and collaboration. The agrivoltaics project with Columbia University exemplifies our commitment to transforming challenges into opportunities.

Voices of Change

Kathryn Beros, MS in Sustainability Management Candidate at Columbia University and founder of KAP Industry, expressed her enthusiasm: “When I first learned about agrivoltaics and its potential I immediately thought of California. Given the unique challenges California's communities face amongst food, energy, policy, and water - I am excited to be a part of the research that studies how agrivoltaics can play a meaningful role in our community. In facing global challenges, California consistently steps up as the leader in innovative solutions that I’m proud to be a part of.”

Thomas Abdallah, Adjunct Lecturer for the Capstone Workshop Sustainability Management Program at Columbia University's Earth Institute, shared his insights on the project: "The Columbia University Capstone is an opportunity for a team of dedicated graduate students to help solve a sustainability challenge for a real-world client. In lieu of an individual thesis, the students complete a group project for a non-profit or government entity as a pro bono consulting team."

I'd like to thank the whole economic and community development team and especially Jason Cater, Economic and Community Development Manager for the City of Bakersfield for leading this monumental effort and helping it come to fruition!

The Road Ahead

This project is just the beginning. With deliverables including a literature review, economic impact assessment, and water savings evaluation, we're set to create a comprehensive blueprint for agrivoltaics implementation. The collaboration with local stakeholders will ensure that this initiative is grounded in local needs and realities while ripe for immediate implementation.

Interested in being a part of it? Reach out and join us!

A Note of Gratitude

As we approach the New Year, I want to express my profound thanks to the GreenTech community for supporting this journey. This project is a clear indicator that the energy transformation is not just a challenge but a substantial opportunity. Community-led innovation is a model we can build upon.

I am especially grateful to the City of Bakersfield for embracing this initiative and to the LinkedIn community for being a part of this exciting journey. Together, we're not just dreaming of a better future; we're actively building it.

For Media Inquiries:

Please contact Joe Conroy JConroy@bakersfieldcity.us.

For Collaboration Inquires:

Please contact Jason Cater at jcater@bakersfieldcity.us or Jenni Byers at jbyers@bakersfieldcity.us. For inquires about agrivoltaics markets, please reach Kathryn Beros at kathryn@kapindustry.com. For inquiries regarding the Destination for Innovation campaign, please reach out to Les Mood at les@greentechnetwork.net.

Stay tuned for more updates and breakthroughs in 2023!

Tune in to GreenTech Talks as part of the Destination for Innovation campaign here for inspiring conversations with local, state, industry and national leaders in the greentech space.

Warm regards,

Les Mood

CEO & Host

GreenTech Network