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Techno–ecological synergies of solar energy for global sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Rebecca R. Hernandez

    (University of California
    University of California
    University of California
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Alona Armstrong

    (Lancaster University
    Lancaster University)

  • Jennifer Burney

    (University of California, San Diego)

  • Greer Ryan

    (Center for Biological Diversity)

  • Kara Moore-O’Leary

    (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Southwest Region)

  • Ibrahima Diédhiou

    (Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Agriculture, Université de Thiès)

  • Steven M. Grodsky

    (University of California
    University of California)

  • Leslie Saul-Gershenz

    (University of California)

  • Rob Davis

    (Center for Pollinators in Energy, Fresh Energy)

  • Jordan Macknick

    (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

  • Dustin Mulvaney

    (San José State University)

  • Garvin A. Heath

    (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

  • Shane B. Easter

    (Renewable Energy & Environmental Finance Group, Wells Fargo)

  • Madison K. Hoffacker

    (University of California
    University of California
    University of California)

  • Michael F. Allen

    (University of California
    University of California)

  • Daniel M. Kammen

    (University of California
    University of California
    University of California)

Abstract

The strategic engineering of solar energy technologies—from individual rooftop modules to large solar energy power plants—can confer significant synergistic outcomes across industrial and ecological boundaries. Here, we propose techno–ecological synergy (TES), a framework for engineering mutually beneficial relationships between technological and ecological systems, as an approach to augment the sustainability of solar energy across a diverse suite of recipient environments, including land, food, water, and built-up systems. We provide a conceptual model and framework to describe 16 TESs of solar energy and characterize 20 potential techno–ecological synergistic outcomes of their use. For each solar energy TES, we also introduce metrics and illustrative assessments to demonstrate techno–ecological potential across multiple dimensions. The numerous applications of TES to solar energy technologies are unique among energy systems and represent a powerful frontier in sustainable engineering to minimize unintended consequences on nature associated with a rapid energy transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebecca R. Hernandez & Alona Armstrong & Jennifer Burney & Greer Ryan & Kara Moore-O’Leary & Ibrahima Diédhiou & Steven M. Grodsky & Leslie Saul-Gershenz & Rob Davis & Jordan Macknick & Dustin Mulvane, 2019. "Techno–ecological synergies of solar energy for global sustainability," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 2(7), pages 560-568, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:2:y:2019:i:7:d:10.1038_s41893-019-0309-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-019-0309-z
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    Cited by:

    1. Exley, G. & Hernandez, R.R. & Page, T. & Chipps, M. & Gambro, S. & Hersey, M. & Lake, R. & Zoannou, K.-S. & Armstrong, A., 2021. "Scientific and stakeholder evidence-based assessment: Ecosystem response to floating solar photovoltaics and implications for sustainability," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    2. Cheo, Ambe Emmanuel & Adelhardt, Nora & Krieger, Tim & Berneiser, Jessica & Sanchez Santillano, Federico Alberto & Bingwa, Brendon & Suleiman, Nischa & Thiele, Patricia & Royes, Alvaro & Gudopp, Danie, 2022. "Agrivoltaics across the water-energy-food-nexus in Africa: Opportunities and challenges for rural communities in Mali," Discussion Paper Series 2022-03, University of Freiburg, Wilfried Guth Endowed Chair for Constitutional Political Economy and Competition Policy.
    3. Mamun, Mohammad Abdullah Al & Dargusch, Paul & Wadley, David & Zulkarnain, Noor Azwa & Aziz, Ammar Abdul, 2022. "A review of research on agrivoltaic systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    4. Lee, Sangik & Lee, Jong-hyuk & Jeong, Youngjoon & Kim, Dongsu & Seo, Byung-hun & Seo, Ye-jin & Kim, Taejin & Choi, Won, 2023. "Agrivoltaic system designing for sustainability and smart farming: Agronomic aspects and design criteria with safety assessment," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 341(C).
    5. Jing, Rui & He, Yang & He, Jijiang & Liu, Yang & Yang, Shoubing, 2022. "Global sensitivity based prioritizing the parametric uncertainties in economic analysis when co-locating photovoltaic with agriculture and aquaculture in China," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 1048-1059.
    6. Jing, Rui & Liu, Jiahui & Zhang, Haoran & Zhong, Fenglin & Liu, Yupeng & Lin, Jianyi, 2022. "Unlock the hidden potential of urban rooftop agrivoltaics energy-food-nexus," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    7. Li, Zeyun & Kuo, Yen-Ku & Mahmud, Abdul Rahman & Nassani, Abdelmohsen A. & Haffar, Mohamed & Muda, Iskandar, 2022. "Integration of renewable energy, environmental policy stringency, and climate technologies in realizing environmental sustainability: Evidence from OECD countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 1376-1384.
    8. Gonocruz, Ruth Anne Tanlioco & Yoshida, Yoshikuni & Ozawa, Akito & Aguirre, Rodolfo A. & Maguindayao, Edward Joseph H., 2023. "Impacts of agrivoltaics in rural electrification and decarbonization in the Philippines," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 350(C).
    9. Jingjing Li & Linlin Mou & Zunfeng Liu & Xiang Zhou & Yongsheng Chen, 2022. "Oscillating light engine realized by photothermal solvent evaporation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    10. Zhang, Yuanting & Qiu, Yu & Li, Qing & Henry, Asegun, 2022. "Optical-thermal-mechanical characteristics of an ultra-high-temperature graphite receiver designed for concentrating solar power," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 307(C).
    11. Gorjian, Shiva & Bousi, Erion & Özdemir, Özal Emre & Trommsdorff, Max & Kumar, Nallapaneni Manoj & Anand, Abhishek & Kant, Karunesh & Chopra, Shauhrat S., 2022. "Progress and challenges of crop production and electricity generation in agrivoltaic systems using semi-transparent photovoltaic technology," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    12. Grubert, E. & Zacarias, M., 2022. "Paradigm shifts for environmental assessment of decarbonizing energy systems: Emerging dominance of embodied impacts and design-oriented decision support needs," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).

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