As part of Penn’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with AES Clean Energy, Penn receives support for the PPA Renewable Energy Research Program. EII is excited to announce four new research projects funded through the program for 2025.  

Renewing 

Understanding Carbon tradeoffs in site design for photovoltaic arrays: Comparison of Solar Photovoltaic, Agricultural Cropping, and Agrivoltaic Arrangements 

Building on earlier studies funded through the PPA program, the third phase of this work will establish protocols for future soil carbon and soil health monitoring. Based on findings of soil carbon dynamics, the goal is to develop models that account for different land cover scenarios of the agrivoltaics system and inform strategies for sustainable soil management. 

Project team:  Nicholas Pevzner of the Weitzman School of Design, Alain F. Plante of the School of Arts & Sciences, Stephanie Carlisle of the Weitzman School of Design, and Jie Ying, a dual-degree student in the Master of Environmental Studies and Master of Landscape Architecture programs 

New 

Energy Above and Energy Below – Solar Panels and Plant-Based Jet Fuel 

Solar energy is an essential avenue for generating renewable energy and addressing the impacts of a changing climate. However, this technology requires extensive areas, often occupying cultivated land. Since agriculture is one of the foundations of society, it is imperative to efficiently utilize the space that solar panels occupy, for example, through short-growth crops in between and under solar panels. This project aims to establish solar farms as a sustainable and attainable growth environment for plant-based jet fuel production. 

Project team: Doris Wagner of the School of Arts and Sciences, and Courtney Dresden, postdoctoral researcher. 

Optimizing Energy Storage Bidding and Participation Strategies in the PJM Market 

Increasing penetration of renewable energy and the growing need for grid flexibility have positioned battery energy storage systems (BESS) as key players in modern electricity markets. The PJM Interconnection, offers multiple opportunities for BESS to participate in its Day-Ahead (DA) Market and Ancillary Services Markets. This project aims to develop an optimal bidding strategy for energy storage participation in PJM’s electricity markets by integrating energy and ancillary services while considering market volatility, regulatory constraints, and risk management.  

Project team:  Manling Hu, Master of Environmental Studies Candidate, University of Pennsylvania, Jie Ying, Master of Environmental Studies Candidate, University of Pennsylvania, Arthur van Benthem, of the Wharton School. 

Enhancing Soil Health and Climate Resilience through Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) in Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Communities 

Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a promising solution to issues affecting soil health, including rising fertilizer costs and the need to reduce carbon emissions from food production. By applying finely ground silicate rocks like basalt to agricultural soils, ERW can replenish essential minerals, raise soil pH, and enhance moisture retention. Although ERW benefits are clear, they lack rigorous quantification. Using an interdisciplinary approach, this project will pilot ERW in Pennsylvania to assess its impact on soil health, crop productivity, and carbon removal. 

Project Team: Jen Wilcox of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Tom Parsons of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Jon Hawkings of the School of Arts and Sciences, and Abby Lunstrum of Clean Energy Conversions Lab