Renewable Energy Content

Mapping the Future’s Sweet Spot for Clean Energy and Biodiversity

Katherine E Kerlin — March 08, 2024 - 2:00am

A 51�ԹϺ�� Davis study of Joshua trees, kit foxes and solar energy developments highlights the need to consider climate-induced range shifts for species as we expand clean energy.

A Solar Project to Restore Prairie and Pollinators

Katherine E Kerlin — December 15, 2022 - 1:45pm

From solar panels and pollinators to salamanders and people, a restorative energy project takes shape in Rancho Seco near Sacramento with 51�ԹϺ�� Davis, EPRI and SMUD.

Harvesting Light to Grow Food and Clean Energy Together

Katherine E Kerlin — December 06, 2022 - 9:00am

A 51�ԹϺ�� Davis agrivoltaics study shows how harvesting the light spectrum can make growing food and clean energy more efficient.

Solar Development: Super Bloom or Super Bust for Desert Species?

Katherine E Kerlin — May 03, 2021 - 11:45am

Throughout the history of the West, human actions have often rushed the desert — and their actions backfired. In the 1920s, the Colorado River Compact notoriously overallocated water still used today by several Western states because water measurements were taken during a wet period.

Roadmap to Renewables Unites Climate and Sustainability Goals

Katherine E Kerlin — December 18, 2020 - 12:59pm

While the pressures of climate change bring a sense of urgency to renewable energy development, a new study serves as a roadmap toward uniting the goals of a low-carbon future with that of ecological sustainability and conservation.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainability from the University of California, Davis, and John Hopkins University, aims to help decision-makers avoid the unintended environmental consequences of renewable energy development.

Cacti and Other Iconic Desert Plants Threatened by Solar Development

Katherine E Kerlin — July 20, 2020 - 8:00am

With their tough skins, pointy armor and legendary stamina, cacti are made to defend themselves from whatever nature throws at them.

But large solar energy facilities are one threat that cacti weren’t built to withstand, according to a study by the University of California, Davis.

20 Overlooked Benefits of Distributed Solar Energy

Katherine E Kerlin — July 09, 2019 - 11:32am

A study released today provides the most complete list yet of the advantages of solar energy — from carbon sequestration to improvements for pollinator habitat. The paper offers a new framework for analyzing solar projects to better understand the full suite of benefits.

The study, published in Nature Sustainability, was conducted by researchers from the University of California, Davis; Lancaster University in the United Kingdom; the Center for Biological Diversity; and 10 other organizations.

Can Solar Energy and Wildlife Coexist?

Tyler S Mayxonesing — September 10, 2018 - 9:29pm

51�ԹϺ�� Davis explores the coexistence of solar energy, wildlife and sensitive lands. Learn about the latest research on renewable energy and conservation efforts.

51�ԹϺ�� Davis to Help Equip Africans to Meet Energy Challenges

Julia Ann Easley — June 19, 2017 - 9:21am

Evelyn Mugisha grew up in rural Uganda where, for most people, there still is no power to light the night. But with eyes wide open, she’s dreaming of extending electricity to those rural areas.

She and 24 other young professionals from sub-Saharan Africa — where two out of three people lack access to electricity — have come to the University of California, Davis, to equip themselves to tackle the enormous energy challenges on their continent.

51�ԹϺ�� Davis to Be Living Lab for Young African Leaders Tackling Energy Issues

Julia Ann Easley — June 17, 2016 - 11:33am

Their work in Africa ranges from placing solar lanterns in humble huts to advising the leadership of South Africa’s national power utility.

But over the next six weeks, 25 young African leaders will be at the University of California, Davis, to leverage the campus’s energy expertise and better equip themselves to tackle the enormous energy challenges on their continent.