Joseph Scharf

When you think about it, this should have been the *first* option for solar farm developers. Land that isn't being used for anything else for decades? Tick. Reduced fire risk and management requirements? Tick. A way to ensure your neighbours don't think you're industrialising the countryside? Tick. It seems like a no-brainer, but no brainers can take a while to percolate 🤷‍♀️ #cleanenergynews #conservoltaics #agrivoltaics #regenerativeagriculture #renewableenergy #solarpower Community Power Agency 👀 https://lnkd.in/eNzZwXuR

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Did you hear? "Amidst an extreme heat wave and a growing number of active wildfires, a bipartisan supermajority of California legislators passed a historic $10 billion Climate Resilience Bond on July 3, clearing the way for it to be included on the November ballot as Proposition 4. If approved by a majority of voters in November, Proposition 4 will catalyze a wide range of investments to make rural and agricultural communities safer and more resilient to wildfires, floods, droughts, and extreme heat." writes California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN). CalCAN is one of 17 Food and Farm Resilience Coalition members -- along with American Farmland Trust, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Roots of Change, CCOF and others -- who has worked for years to ensure California's food system becomes more sustainable and equitable. It's inspiring to see this bond include important investments in #sustainableagriculture #farmworkers and #infrastructure. Check it out and support us. #CALeg https://lnkd.in/g8q7ywYA

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WEEKLY WATER NEWS DIGEST for 9/8-9/13: Water stakeholders discuss regulatory woes at hearing; Making groundwater sustainability a reality; The CA towns where clean drinking water is out of reach; and more ... A wrap-up of posts published on Maven’s Notebook this week … In California water news this week … Water stakeholders discuss regulatory woes at hearing “California’s role in U.S. #Californiawaternews

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We're seeing a steady progression of more advanced designs and operations as the farming industry moves away from monocropping. Some are quite complex, while ones like this are easy and obvious. Industrial plant designs have long relied on cogeneration as a way to drive higher efficiencies AND reduce waste and the associated footprint. Waste byproduct from one process is the input for another product. The lumber industry is another one that has found productive uses for all of its products. Regenerative farming is the way of the future. It's not one formula; it's many ways of operating dictated by demand and local conditions. https://lnkd.in/gz-FB5Gh

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July 25, 2024 - By Oregon State University, "Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a material that shows a remarkable ability to convert sunlight and water into #cleanenergy. A collaboration led by Kyriakos Stylianou of the OSU College of Science created a #photocatalyst that enables the high-speed, high-efficiency production of #hydrogen, used in fuel cells for cars as well as in the manufacture of many chemicals including ammonia, in the refining of metals and in making plastics. The findings (https://lnkd.in/eDmrDJyZ) represent a potential new tool to use against greenhouse gas emissions and #climatechange, said Stylianou, whose research focuses on crystalline, porous materials known as metal organic frameworks, usually abbreviated as MOFs. Made up of positively charged metal ions surrounded by organic “linker” molecules, MOFs have nanosized pores and tunable structural properties. They can be designed with a variety of components that determine the MOF’s properties. In this study, researchers used a MOF to derive a metal oxide heterojunction – a combination of two materials with complementary properties – to make a catalyst that, when exposed to sunlight, quickly and efficiently splits water into hydrogen. The heterojunction, which they refer to as RTTA, features MOF-derived ruthenium oxide and titanium oxide doped with sulfur and nitrogen. They tested multiple RTTAs with different amounts of the oxides and found a clear winner. “Among various RTTA materials, RTTA-1, with the lowest ruthenium oxide content, exhibited the fastest #hydrogenproduction rate and a high quantum yield,” Stylianou said. In just one hour, he noted, a gram of RTTA-1 was able to produce over 10,700 micromoles of hydrogen. This process utilized #photons —light particles—at an impressive rate of 10%, meaning that for every 100 photons that struck RTTA-1, 10 contributed to hydrogen production. “The remarkable activity of #RTTA1 is because of the synergistic effects of the metal oxides’ properties and surface properties from the parent MOF that enhance electron transfer,” Stylianou said. “This study highlights the potential of MOF-derived metal oxide heterojunctions as photocatalysts for practical hydrogen production, contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient energy solutions.” Producing hydrogen by splitting water through a catalytic process is cleaner than the conventional method of deriving hydrogen from natural gas via a carbon-dioxide-producing process known as methane-steam reforming. Current catalytic processes for producing hydrogen from water involve electrocatalysis – running electricity through the catalyst. The sustainability of electrocatalysis depends on using renewable energy, and to be competitive in the market the energy has to be in expensive. Presently, methane-steam reforming produces hydrogen at a cost of about $1.50 per kilogram, compared to about $5." #greenhydrogen. #cleantech #innovation Continue reading

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As federal regulations around drinking water tighten, researchers at UC Riverside are exploring new methods to break down forever chemicals found in water supplies. The process utilizes high salinity in wastewater as a catalyst, combined with short-wavelength UV light, to effectively destroy PFAS compounds, offering a more efficient solution for water treatment facilities dealing with these persistent pollutants​. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eGwiR-Uf #environmentalscience #environmentalscientists #recruiter #consultants #rigsbysearchgroup #rigsbysearch #environment #engineer #sustainability #energy #nature #climatechange

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Did you know that snow water equivalent (SWE) is a crucial metric in our California Annual Precipitation (CAP) forecast? SWE quantifies the amount of water contained within a snowpack, representing the depth of water that would result if the entire snowpack melted. Understanding SWE is vital for accurate water year predictions, especially in a state like California, where snowfall significantly impacts the overall water supply.

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I always enjoy reading Andre's Climate Substack from André Meurer. Today I learned a ton about Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) and the HWH replacement process. TL;DR (But seriously you should read it, it's funny and packed with great advice) ➡️Efficiency: Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are significantly more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric models, offering long-term cost savings and environmental benefits. ➡️Installation: Upgrading to a HPWH can be complex, requiring electrical work and careful consideration of sizing (first-hour rating). Choosing an experienced contractor is crucial. ➡️Cost: While initial costs are higher, HPWHs pay for themselves through reduced energy bills and potential rebates. ➡️Additional Benefits: HPWHs dehumidify and slightly cool the surrounding area, which can be beneficial in humid basements. ➡️Considerations: HPWHs might be slightly noisier than traditional models and may require larger tanks to match the hot water output of gas heaters. Sign up for Andre's Climate! https://lnkd.in/e2HzZizE

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South Korea’s solar-powered bike lane is a shining example of eco-friendly infrastructure, generating an impressive 2,200 MWh of clean electricity annually—enough to power 600 households. Situated uniquely in the middle of an eight-lane highway, the 13-foot-wide bike path features 7,502 solar panels, covering three miles of the route. These panels not only generate clean energy but also provide much-needed shade for cyclists on hot days and protection during rainy weather. The path showcases how infrastructure can serve multiple purposes, blending renewable energy generation with everyday commuting. Managed by Korea Western Power Co., Ltd., the solar panel bike lane marks a significant shift in renewable energy use. “Solar panels in public facilities are part of a trend in clean energy,” says Kim Geun-ho of the Green Energy Institute. What began as solar farms in open land has evolved into urban power solutions, turning bike paths into both shelters and power sources. For commuters like Park Yoon-soo, who has used the path daily for the past two years, this solar bike lane offers a sustainable and practical travel option. The solar panel roof provides shade and shelter, making the ride more comfortable while also serving a greater purpose. As cities worldwide look for smart, eco-friendly infrastructure solutions, South Korea’s solar bike lane is a testament to innovative design in the pursuit of a greener future. #SolarEnergy #SustainableInfrastructure #SouthKorea #SolarBikePath #RenewableEnergy #GreenCommuting https://lnkd.in/gDEDfqtG

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☀️🥬 Would your crops benefit with agrivoltaics? Scientists at Colorado State University are pioneering new ways to combine solar energy with agriculture through field research on vegetable crop growth under solar panels with varying levels of transparency. In Fort Collins, Colorado, the team has tested a few vegetable types grown beneath solar modules with transparencies of 40%, 5%, and 0%. Conducted over two growing seasons, this research could reveal optimal conditions for vegetable production under solar installations, bringing exciting insights for sustainable farming and clean energy. 🌱⚡ Want to learn more about agrivoltaics? Join us at our upcoming conference on Dec 3rd! Get your tickets below. 🎟️ https://lnkd.in/eq_kC5h7 Read the full article by pv magazine USA. Link below. https://lnkd.in/dTEKKaUc #SolarFarming #SolarEnergy #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #SustainableEnergy #SolarTech #SolarSolutions #Agrivoltaics #SolarAgriculture #AgriEnergy #FarmingWithSolar #SolarFarmingInnovation

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https://lnkd.in/gQaNecq7 The current iteration of Seattle's tree ordinance, a politically motivated document, will lead to the removal of climate resilience gifting mature trees. In our conversations about Environmental Justice, we must work more assiduously to understand that mature tree removal (avoidable in most cases by redesign and integrated planning), harms frontline communities AND the rest of cities. Air quality is a common pool resource. #equity #urban forestry #trees

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It sounds like a climate solution everyone should be able to support: Let’s make it easier and cheaper for farmers with dwindling water supplies to convert their lands from crop production to solar energy generation, if that’s what those farmers want.

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Exploiting Imagery for Establishing Minimal Networks of Stem Water Potential Sensors to Guide Irrigation I recently listened to a good podcast about passive plant water status measurement devices. (https://lnkd.in/ek7smNsr) Near the conclusion it touched on the economic aspect of needing many stem water potential sensors to understand the spatial distribution of the tree water status across an orchard to guide irrigation. It was suggested that it may be possible to significantly decrease the number/cost of the sensors by exploiting satellite imagery to indirectly measure the distribution of the water status of the trees and use that information to reduce the number of stem water potential sensors to guide irrigation at a lower cost. This concept should also be applied to the use of soil moisture sensors.

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The Midwest's clean water and drinking water financing mechanisms may face greater strain in the years ahead. Already, citing "historically high requests for financial assistance," Wisconsin has capped applications to its Clean Water Fund Program and Safe Drinking Water Loan Program for fiscal 2024, and will be limiting them again in 2025. The clean water program saw a 90% increase in the amount of funding requested over the previous year, while the drinking water program saw a 280% increase in the amount of funding requested. That was partly due to a backlog of projects that built up during COVID, with local governments then rushing to seek funding once the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was enacted, said Matt Marcum, supervisor of the Clean Water Fund and Safe Drinking Water Loan programs. But there has also been an increase in need to combat emerging contaminants such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. "In talking with other states, I think most of them have seen a pretty significant increase in demand for funding," Marcum said, adding that without an increase in the revenue bonding authority for the programs, they won't be able to meet demand in future years. "The demand for loans and grants from local governments has increased over the years," Illinois EPA Director John Kim said, noting that the Illinois state revolving fund is financed in part with bonds issued by the Illinois Finance Authority, and the SRF program had fully expended the proceeds of the last bond issuance, in December 2020, by June 30 of this year. "The infusion of funding provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is essential to continue the work Illinois EPA is doing through our robust State Revolving Fund programs to meet the financial needs of our communities," he added.

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WaterRising Institute through the WaterWoman project is launching wastewater conservation campaigns for heavy rainfall due to climate change. In the US the average household produces 80-100 gallons of wastewater per day. The aging water infrastructure isn’t able to sustain during heavy rains and the amount of combine sewage overflows is happening globally into our waterways. That means during the summer at the beach you and your family are at risk of being exposed to large amounts of bacteria, which can cause severe health problems. We believe local citizens can help mitigate their use of wastewater during heavy rainfall events. Which is why we are asking you as a citizen to take action on wastewater conservation, together we can help our private and public water and wastewater companies. #holdtheflush #WaterWoman #water #wastewater #waterinfrastructure #climatechange #flooding #beaches #voicesflow #EUBluedeal 💙 #SDGs US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Environment Federation American Water Works Association OptiRTC SmartCover Kando Arcadis HDR Roland Berger Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Surfers Against Sewage SHEChangesClimate France Environmental Protection UK ISPRA Daughters for Earth Gruppo CAP Associazione Infrastrutture Sostenibili Great Lakes Water Authority Detroit Water & Sewerage Department British Water MM Spa ISECO S.p.A. (Gruppo ACEA) Resilient Cities Network C40 Cities IPCC United Nations International Water Management Institute (IWMI) UN Women United Nations Water

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California farmers are stepping up with a bold initiative to develop 20 GW of solar-plus-storage capacity on 130,000 acres of impaired farmland. Enabled by the passage of AB 2661, the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan (VCIP) seeks to build transmission lines to deliver this renewable energy to consumers. The project, backed by private investors and managed locally, offers farmers a way to repurpose fallowed land due to water shortages while generating revenue. With environmental impacts under review and a vote expected by mid-2025, this project marks a crucial step in California's clean energy transition. The region, facing the loss of over 20% of its water supply by 2040, will benefit from the economic opportunities created by the VCIP, including 3,000 jobs during the infrastructure build-out and 500 permanent positions. This ambitious plan contributes to California's goal of reducing emissions and expanding renewable energy. For a more detailed look, read the full news article. #california #solarenergy #cleanenergy #sustainability #farmland #renewableenergy #solarplusstorage #energytransition #solarpowerplant #solarpowered #solarfarm #batterystorage

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EPA regulations would be a disaster for the US grid. We recently performed a reliability analysis for EPA's Carbon Rule in Southwest Power Pool (SPP), and found that EPA's modeled grid would lead to massive blackouts that would leave millions of people without power. How did this happen? First of all, despite EPA regulations causing a dramatic overhaul of the electric grid and forcing thousands of megawatts of thermal capacity off the grid, the EPA doesn't perform hourly reliability analyses, so it has no idea if its modeled grid can meet demand 24/7, 365 days of the year. Second, it uses indefensible assumptions regarding solar energy that resulted in SPP being over reliant on the sun shining to meet peak demand. For instance, EPA gives new and existing solar capacity values of 80-100% in SPP, even though SPP itself accredits the same amount of solar at 40% in the summer and 6% in the winter. Instead of a robust reliability analysis, EPA simply assumes that wind and solar generation will magically meet demand at all hours of the day, without concerning itself with when that generation would occur. However, when comparing the EPA build out of capacity in SPP with historical hourly profiles of SPP, the grid wasn't able to meet demand at all hours. In one instance, 13 separate capacity shortfall events occurred in February 2040 using 2021 historical data, with one event lasting for 41 straight hours. Needless to say, the EPA doesn't belong anywhere near the electricity grid. Read more from my and Isaac Orr's latest piece on Substack 👇 https://lnkd.in/g5p6vAiY

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