NECC2001: Sustainable Farm Energy Production and Use

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Active

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Date of Annual Report: 12/02/2021

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/07/2021 - 10/07/2021
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2020 - 09/30/2021

Participants

Pennsylvania State University: Dan Ciolkosz, Siobhan Fathel, Ed Johnstonbaugh, Gary Thompson; University of Illinois: Xinlei Wang, Stanley Solomon Jr; Maryland: Stephanie Lansing, Amro Hassanein, Drew Schiavone; Rutgers University: David Specca, A.J. Both; Virginia Tech: John Ignosh; University of Wisconsin: Scott Sanford, Shiba Kar; Michigan State University: Satish Joshi, Charles Gould, Al Go; University of Nebraska: John Hay

Brief Summary of Minutes

NECC 2001 Annual Meeting Minutes

October 7, 2021

Location: Zoom Meeting Room,

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://psu.zoom.us/j/95826739373

or Call: 1-646-876-9923, Meeting ID# 958 2673 9373

1. Welcome and Introductions

2001 Program Admin

Attending:

University of Connecticut	Harrison Yang
University of Illinois	Xinlei Wang
University of Maryland	Stephanie Lansing, Amro Hassanein, Drew Schiavone
Michigan State University	Satish Vasudev Joshi
Pennsylvania State University	Dan Ciolkosz, Siobhan Fathel, Ed Johnstonbaugh, Matthew McVey, Karen Denisse Lopez
Rutgers University	David Specca, A.J. Both
Virginia Tech	John Ignosh
USDA-NIFA	Victoria Finkenstadt
USDA-NRCS	Terri Ruch, Kip Pheil

2. Review of Agenda

Agenda adopted as is.

3. Review of Minutes of Past Meeting

Correction to minutes to reflect Dr. Bill Roberts year of death. Minutes adopted as amended.

4. USDA Administrator’s Report

Victoria Finkenstadt, administrative advisor (AA) for this NECC-2001 group.

Victoria Finkenstadt (NIFA) – NECC 2001 Program Admin; worked on bioplastics, Chem E , polymer chemist, background, duckweed, cow manure to plastics, research scientist then joined NIFA in 2020. Went to Purdue, Center for Carbohydrate research (interdisciplinary). At NIFA she manages the bioprocessing program (conversion) biorefining and bioprocessing to align terms with scope and the new administration’s bioeconomy goals of Sec Vilsack (Bioeconomy Blueprint). Also, manages AgraAbility program with Extension and nonprofits. And, plant products/protection robotics/hardware to protect crops or impact production, and pollinator health (e.g., Smart Bee Hives, etc.) New programs include the RFA Farm of the Future, a demonstration project envisioning what a farm of the future looks like; and an RFA for Sustainable Agricultural Systems (to be released soon) with section on bioeconomy and circular economy to emphasize zero waste, carbon neutral, etc.

NIFA lost 75% of workforce in the move from DC, and have been onboarding new people, resulting in delays. New people, mid-career, brought a new culture with a focus on customer service not just financial management, and more on stakeholder engagement focus.

If you have questions, (e.g., searching for contacts for expertise matchmaking), please reach out via email (to Victoria Finkenstadt) for help. Admin supports NIFA program staff to execute missions.

Questions?

Ciolkosz: You mentioned new priorities, where do you see energy needs playing out?
- Finkenstadt: Electricity delivery and storage; biofuels (sustainable aviation fuel - SAF) goals for 2030->2050, challenge with regards to biomass feedstock, now made from fats oils and greases (FOG). Others are in renewable diesel (vs. biodiesel) heavy transport will need diesel (because sector won’t be electrified soon). SAF and biodiesel are competitors for the same feedstock. Bioeconomy focuses on shortening supply chains, connections with climate change, and local solutions, with a need for profitability. Local = 100 miles, some say 500 miles, some 1k miles; main point is how you support a community across the agro-ecosystem. This is where funding efforts are going.

Both: Could you elaborate on the RFA?
- Finkenstadt: There are three components: adaptation to climate change; strengthening the bioeconomy (farm-to-consumer-to-farm); and food nutrition security. Integrated projects need teaching, research, extension (T/R/E). Group could respond in areas regarding adapting to climate change via circular/bioeconomy. Can share the old RFA, but the new RFA is substantially different.

Lansing: When will RFA be released? Deadline?
- Finkenstadt: RFA should be released in DEC 2021 -JAN 2022, with due dates in AUG-OCT 2022. Reason for this shift is to align with the federal appropriations year. For example, when in continuing resolution this effects project start. New timeline helps reconcile this.

Ciolkosz: previous administrative advisor (AA) for NECC-2001 had suggestions for success, do you have any?
- Finkenstadt: has reviewed some reports, but work is up to group, AA works as liaison not a director for the group; can weigh in on feedback for different ideas regarding NIFA program priorities, and areas of support, etc.

Johnstonbaugh: Staff build up, is there a discovery process to connect with groups to learn more at organization level? Search for input, etc.?
- Finkenstadt: Yes indeed. This year NPL/Program Specialists, project director held meetings as “listening sessions” to be present during meetings to solicit input for what RFAs should look like. Need to align with administration’s policy priorities and NIFA, but input informs what things should look like in future. COVID has led to virtual meetings, but NIFA has travel for engagement once permitted. Have held Sustainable Ag Systems listening sessions, survey for awardees, etc.

Johnstonbaugh: Like what I hear, ag communities are taking a beating, focus on community sustainability, not just ag focused, but community; area that needs attention. Look forward to what comes out
- Finkenstadt: Sustainable Ag RFA is very community focused, eligible for LandGrant, but to collaborate with community connections (NGOs, Extension, et.c.)

Johnstonbaugh: Food for thought, communities need help with real projects, can plan and plan, but need help to put iron in ground to have results come forth, talk but need to put in motion.
- Finkenstadt: totally agree, Sustainable Ag RFA speaks to infrastructure (recycling, energy delivery, etc.) NIFA doesn’t provide money for infrastructure but does provide money for assessments, tools, etc. to help. Connections with jobs and economic recovery

Lansing: Amounts of RFA?
- Finkenstadt: Refers to DOCs; Sustainable Ag $
  - Via chat: Sustainable Ag Systems - $10M each up to 5 years & 8 awards anticipated; Letter of Intent - January 13, 2022; Application Deadline - April 7, 2022
- Johnstonbaugh: Closing words?
  - Finkenstadt: Please send email if you have questions, will plan to reach out as RFAs are released, etc. If you decide to submit grant, can touch base to discuss what reviewers look for, etc.

5. USDA NRCS Update

Terri Ruch, National Energy Engineer USDA-NRCS;

Kip Pheil, Energy Specialist, USDA-NRCS

Ruch: shared PPT online “USDA NRCS Update”, Ruch is PSU alum, based in DC. Pheil is based in Portland. Info recently presented at ASABE-AIM ’21 meeting. Review of NRCS Energy Conservation policies:
- Energy audits – Type II, ASABE S612. Revised SEP ‘21
- Conservation – CODES 374 Ag Ops, 670 Lighting, 672 Building Env
- Technical Service Providers (TSPs) – through EQIP, TSPs provide services on behalf of NRCS (CAP 128 Energy Management Plan), changing to CEMA 228 “Ag Energy Assessment” CEMA Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activity; CAP 136 Ag Energy Design Plan, changing code to DIA 120 (Design Implementation Activity), 14 scheduled in FY
- Resource Assessments: 47 separate resource concerns, conservation assessment and ranking tool (CART). Energy use intensity (EUI), compare farm to other farms, high cut data from phone call
  - NRCS EUI: kBtu/yr/(ac, tap, Sq Ft, AU, etc.), etc. for land, syrup, greenhouse, animals, etc.
  - Output is “risk of inefficient energy use” from very low to very high
  - Contact Pheil for more details.
- Pheil: hello to group
- Questions? Ruch needed to leave at 10AM.

Ignosh: Is assessment precursor to audit? Is data accessible?
- Ruch: energy audits have been precursor, trying to transition to making this less of requirement for additional assessment
- EUI index: info obtained could be from audit, based on annual budget. Then converted to energy estimation. Data could be from an audit but not required. Used to help rank energy risk
- Data mining? Within the CART application, hope is that it could be used, but high cut so use may be limited.
- Ruch: says stay in touch to explore potential

6. Station Updates

(See attached publications and accomplishment reports for additional details)

Each university to give ~10min summary of year's accomplishments

University of Connecticut (Yang)

Updates: continued study on GreenBox technology, self-controlled micro-climate for horticultural growth for plant factories or individually for vegetables in urban settings or warehouse or basement. Feasibility study to see if GreenBox can be used year round, and compare energy/water with greenhouses; then added financial analysis for the system findings: GreenBox is profitable, energy/water is more efficient than common greenhouses, now working on financial analysis, 2 papers presented at ASABE-AIM ‘21

Questions:
- Both: Is it similar to a shipping container?
  - Yang: smaller, doesn’t need space/sunlight, can handle in Amazon warehouse, stackable, etc. 2m x 2m x 1m; thermally insulated, built in lighting, monitoring system, etc.

University of Illinois (Wang)

Shared screen with slides:

Updates: Solar Farm 2.0, 1-axis tracker, campus has committee for power production Wang chaired; has project website with project details. Ground mounted best option for them given cost; leased land for period of time but will turnover to university in 10 years; also working on smart meter for energy efficiency with limited access; campus is active in farm energy and sustainability with geothermal project, and waste-to-energy project (in scale up);

Questions?
- Fathel: PSU is working on underneath arrays soil/water interactions, in PA, unsure about soil underneath, UL?
  - Wang: Sub-project is looking at land issues under panels; sub project looking at agrivoltaics/crop production

University of Maryland (Lansing, Hassanein, Schiavone)

Schivone: Shared slides; Virtual trainings focused on increasing Internet presence with Energy Extension Program website developed last year, all being updated again; have newsletter each quarter audience in state/local govt too (ag and farm energy use; project highlights, etc.) and social media channels too (learning curve to navigate platforms); all are good means to be in touch with clients and stakeholders: Solar training: funded by NE-SARE grant planned as in-person, now mix with webinars, 1-1 consults, workshops challenges with COVID waves through 2021, may revisit in 2022; looking at hands-on install workshop. Short 10-minute videos on YouTubes, small-scale implementation, some on utility-scale solar (USS) (land leasing, contracts). Curriculum handbook, videos to supplement. Highlights impacts, knowledge gain, kW installed, etc.

Hassanein: Shared slides; Provided update on project to upgrade digester with CHP/dairy manure-> solids separation-> solids combusted; liquid->AD then manure injection; Biogas->heat/elec, electric to DelMarVA power. UMD technical assistance for feed ratios, verification for MD Department of Agriculture (MDA); Also, small-scale fast pyrolysis of poultry litter and data collection/analysis for fact sheets for farmers; Worcester County MD system assessment for anaerobic digestion (AD) of poultry litter, with management of solid/liquid streams and shared in fact sheets; assessments and factsheets on biomethane potential for new substrates testing for co-digestion

Lansing: biochar produced for greenhouse plants and turfgrass with soil mixes and stormwater effluent; Second AD of poultry litter for renewable natural gas, acting as 3^rd party verifiers; Serving as Food Council chair, food waste for digestion/compost, linking with food production; 60-page report for NOV 21 to increase food resiliency system.

Michigan State University (Joshi)

Update: mostly focused on biofuel policy research work; M. Gould involved in farm energy audits, training, educational videos, webinar series, Michigan Public Commission changed policy in solar farms now there is more interest; held focus groups with farmers to identify needs; 2 proposals Sustainable Farm Program to create value-added from ag waste via material genesis VFAs, lignin recovery, etc. before burning USDA NIFA RFA; another on solar energy and ag mobility for electric tractors for specialty crops in MI; MSU has large program on bioenergy
- Questions:
  - Ciolkosz: Charles and Al?
    - Joshi: rolled off project
  - Ciolkosz: policy focus on state fed?
    - Joshi: Mostly fed level, and also business oriented

Rutgers University (Specca, Both)

Specca: Shared screen with slides. Agrivoltaics project, NJ has increased mandates on solar energy, concern that land lost for ag in the most densely populated state, NJAES funded $104k and NJ $2M for 3-4 R&D farms, multi-year project. Collecting energy and ag production data (crops and animals) for stat replications. Webinar recording available. Installed mock-up system with plywood with instrumentation in alleys; agrivoltaics program taking off

Both: Converting greenhouse from HPS to LED lamps, 2021 pub on tech performance of horticultural lamps in AgriEngineering.

Questions:
- Pheil: Agrivoltaics (APV), USDA and DOE have joint APV effort, are you connected? Any time-of-use (TOU) energy generation policies in NJ for PV output?
  - Both: vertical panels allow for easier access to fields with less interference, interested in different time of day energy output too; yes connected with other teams (e.g., MA, and NREL InSPire program, and NJ Dept of AG and Utilities). Multi institutional effort across NJ
- Pheil: at state level, any analysis of benefit/cost of rooftop vs. APV?
  - Specca: if to reach 100% renewables by 2050, need >32GW+, parking and rooftops not enough, due to low ag land cost this is often first look for siting.
- Ciolkosz: earlier years you were not too impressed with APV? What about now?
  - Both: that was more focused on greenhouse APV, but now policy mandates in NJ require evaluating APV for farms (not greenhouses exclusively)
- Ciolkosz: aren’t most field crops in NE light limited?
  - Both: yes, PV will reduce yield, some crops do OK in lower lights, project is to evaluate different configurations.

Penn State University (Ciolkosz, Fathel, Johnstonbaugh, McVey)

Ciolkosz: Update, shared screen; Base Programming: Education BRS 422 Biorenewable Systems Energy Mgmt & 468 Bioenergy Systems; Extension: trade shows, newsletter articles, Energy Extension Summit, etc. Energy Extension Team by PSU Extension for program planning process; Funded project work:MASBio: WV led, bioproducts with energy aspects, producing biomass on marginal land to enhance marginal land and profits, biochar, shrub willow on spray fields, 3D printer resin; C-Change Grass to Gas: IA State led, increasing AD with perennial grasses, campus digester, teacher training summer program, applied research opportunities (system modelling, social aspects, system performance).

McVey PhD candidate in program shared slides: “co-treatment assisted anaerobic digestion of poultry litter”; SWG + PL is AD processed and intermittent milling (mimic cow chewing cud) to shear then rumen (colloid mill shearing<->AD). Working with 2 AD systems, soon will add 3^rd, to process and AD in batch to track digestibility and gas production to develop Matlab model for techno-econ analysis.

Ciolkosz: Wood Innovation Grant Biochar Opportunities: demonstrating use of biochar in WWTP digester; Energy Answers – 36 videos; DEP Energy Outreach: Farm Energy Day Webinars: biogas, solar, lighting, heating, ventilation, dairy/poultry efficiency; with XLS tool for farm energy savings. Experience highlighted benefits of intentional marketing series to get word out.; Graves Endowment for Extension: 2 students working on energy extension work program goal is to introduce students to extension work; Grad research project: Torrefied Biomass for Biofuel Production (J. Tripathi); Biomass Pelleting Systems research project, P/T during pelleting. New project exploring pelleting in Oaxaca MX.

Questions:
- Lansing: Update on PSU digester?
  - Ciolkosz: operating, only using dairy manure so far, power not produced yet, contractor for power controls due to contractor in Canada, issues with hydrogen sulfide
  - Fathel: notes looking into other systems for scrubber to manage H2S
- Lansing: food waste?
  - Fathel: most goes to composting; for AD poultry litter and swine manure will later be added, effluent land applied, sand separator.
- Specca: biochar work, access to commercial quantities? [discussion]
  - Johnstonbaugh: teamed up with local forest products company Metzler Forest Products to produce biochar, using that in projects; issues with high H2S in WWTP AD, hope biochar will help mitigate, maybe applications for PSU AD too
  - Lansing: IA based company makes biochar too, locally using MD based PL biochar
  - Both: microturbine project in NJ with H2S, added sulfatreat which using iron filings to bind S
  - Johnstonbaugh: expense?
  - Both: Yes, can be
  - Johnstonbaugh: says WWTP expense issue, have opted to not run generator due to H2S mitigation costs
  - Both: not running gen is expensive too
  - Johnstonbaugh: buy NG to supplemental heat for AD in winter time

Virginia Tech

Ignosh: slides shared with updates regarding utility scale solar, solar-powered water pumping systems, and poultry litter-to-energy emissions work

Questions:
- Ciolkosz: Is VA Clean Economy Act (VCEA) 100% by 2045?
  - Ignosh: Aggressive timelines, looks like yes VCEA is electric 100% by 2045

7. Review of Last Year, Plans for Future Year

Textbook: “Regional Perspectives on Farm Energy” text in hands of publishers

Joint Proposals:
- NIFA BFRD Farm Energy Project: Fathel update: shows YouTube videos from project outputs, grant extended 1-yr looking for ways to expand even post project
  - Ciolkosz: few more things to add? Like what?
    - Fathel: not money left, but could add intros to sections (solar, pelleting, energy efficiency) maybe some content to link/intro to each other to help navigate
  - Discussion regarding use of remaining project funds regarding travel and conference changes
- Digester Operatory Group: Lansing - collaborated with PA Digester Group meeting, promoted by USDA PA NRCS Ctr for Dairy Excellence (thus, had narrow focus). Discussion for possible larger umbrella AD group with regional sub-groups due to regional variation (policy, feedstock, etc.). Lansing: maybe start with PA group and adding to an email listserve to engage broader audience, across NorthEast region. Connections could help with broader engagement networking and marketing. Lansing: will put on her to-do list to explore online community digester meet and greet.
  - Johnstonbaugh: NJ landfill ban for food? Any AD development?
    - Both: Yes, interest high, but concerns about logistics.
    - Lansing: says one large digester to open this year for food waste for renewable natural gas
  - Johnstonbaugh: community digester proposal, manure-based from dairy farms. Farmers entertaining notion regarding carbon-aspects “carbon credits”
    - Lansing: new system plans to get carbon-credits; however C. Gooch experiences indicate that some smaller systems are too costly for carbon credit measurement and verification (M&V). Would be good to plan for M&V at design phase
  - Pheil: discussion debate regarding carbon credit and RECs?
    - Lansing: most going to RNG because RINS not electricity, but friction with pipeline buildout (then emphasis for electrical generation)
    - Pheil: ~2010, west coast RECs (with CARB) required distinct line between renewable energy vs. carbon credit
    - Lansing: mentions example from biogas in Germany, and challenges due to use of silage; as compared to USA version using manure-based, and carbon credit accounting implications vs. avoided emissions. (similar with dairy manure to PL based systems regarding avoided emissions)
    - Pheil: early days - renewable energy tracking for carbon offsets, possibilities for fraud and errors. Some AD projects and legacy history of promises made versus actual monetization of carbon credits for AD
    - Lansing: Maryland exploring zero interest loans for AD to help CAPEX and long planning horizons
  - Other Topics:
    - Upcoming AFRI RFAs?
    - New ideas?
      - Ciolkosz: Expand from 1 state? (e.g., solar water pumping in VA)?
      - Lansing: interest in more economic assessment in these projects
        
        Ignosh: Yes, interested in this too in terms of policy variations and on-ground renewable energy project viability from state-to-state
        
        Johnstonbaugh: policy uncertainty
        
        Lansing: who would fund this? Farm energy economics and policy implications?
        
        Ciolkosz:Satish, policy insights for project?
        
        Joshi: students looking at SAM-NREL model, possibility to add models for state specific applications.
        
        Ciolkosz: SARE Grant? Possibility, needs to be end user-centric
        
        Lansing: maybe DOE RFP too? There was an EPA Food Waste digestion call too. Perhaps some of this fits within larger NIFA proposal
      - Discussion of SARE RFP timelines, for next cycle (likely LOI Summer 2022)
      - Ciolkosz: AJ, interest in larger APV project work?
        
        Both: yes, interest in broader network regarding APV, especially econ/policy aspects; need for incentives- - but how much? With additional CAPEX costs of APV vs conventional
        
        Ciolkosz: As RFP? Or work group?
        
        Both: bigger grant would be good, and also open to regional collabs
        
        Finkenstadt: indicates APV was funded last NIFA with UL,
        
        Ciolkosz: would need distinct approach to APV
        
        Specca: regional APV differences
        
        Fathel: if large grant, we could include aspects from earlier successes, with videos, etc.
        
        General discussion on APV opportunities & ideas
        
        Finkenstadt:: mentions conference grants
      - Action Items:
        
        Lansing: Digester Group, to help coordinate team
        
        Both: spearhead focus on APV, for interaction and possible proposal development
        
        Joshi: Statewide comparison for TEA/policy mentioned by Lansing could be good to pursue, can lead lit review, might lead to larger proposal
        
        Selection of Officers and Meeting Site for Next Year
        
        Ciolkosz: Discussion of meeting in-person, motion – Ignosh/Virginia Tech (VA) to host, approved; consider timing of event to consider with new reporting timeline
        
        Lansing: End of weeks easier usually due to teaching schedules

8. Adjourn

Motion to adjourn passed, meeting closed

Accomplishments

The objectives of this regional project are to: <ol> <li>Prepare a survey report on the "regional farm energy status and outlook"</li> <li>Identify research, education, and extension opportunities and needs for the topic of farm energy</li> <li>Prepare joint proposals for funded projects in farm energy research, education, and Extension</li> </ol> Annual accomplishments are reported for each experiment station.   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Connecticut</h4> Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities The Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station at University of Connecticut has supported studies on sustainable agriculture energy regional project. The current study focuses on the development of the so-called GREENBOX technology for urban agriculture.  Specific objectives include <ol> <li>To determine whether the GREENBOX can provide the required environmental conditions year around;</li> <li>To determine how the energy and water use as well as plant growth in the GREENBOX system in comparison with that in a greenhouse; and</li> <li>To assess the financial feasibility of the GREENBOX.</li> </ol> Laboratory studies have been conducted in the past two (2) years at Storrs, Connecticut with protocol GREENBOXES and experimental greenhouses for growing lettuce. Results indicate that the newly proposed GREENBOX system can produce healthy lettuce crops in all four seasons with high productivity. The energy and water use are more effective compared to widely used glasshouses. The GREENBOX system can be used individually, or in any combination from a few to a very large number (say thousands) to meet different building configurations and economic goals. The current studies will help us in establishing an experimental platform at the University of Connecticut for long-term research on urban farming with different crops, systems designs, control strategies, and management practices. Objective 3: Joint Proposals A new proposal entitled “GREENBOX horticulture: A simulation study for optimization in system design and operation” is being prepared for extramural funding.   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Illinois</h4> Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities Solar Farm 1.0 is rated at 5.87 megawatt DC/ 4.68 megawatt AC.  The University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved construction of a 20.8-acre solar farm in November 2012. It has been operational since December 11, 2015. The Solar Farm produces an approximately 7,200 MWh annually or approximately 2% of the annual electrical demand for the Urbana campus. Solar Farm 2.0 will produce approximately 20,000 MWh per year, nearly tripling the university’s existing on-site renewable energy generation. Construction of a new 54-acre, 12.32 MW(dc) Solar Farm was started in July 2020. The overall project was completed by the end of 2020 and it has been operational since January 2021. All of the electricity generated by Solar Farm 2.0 will be used exclusively by the Urbana campus, making the University of Illinois the third-largest user of renewable power produced on campus for all higher education facilities in the entire country. A U of I extension team received the Smart Meter/ Energy Efficiency Education grant for calendar years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.  Hard to reach low-income, seniors, and rural residence are the target audience for this statewide effort. Smart meters have been installed by both the large investor owned utilities in the state. These utilities are offering consumers access to the near real-time, hourly-use data, along with hourly pricing programs. The extension team has focused on educating consumers on how the data and pricing programs can help them make better utilization and efficiency decisions. The team is unique among grantees in our focus on rural audiences, including farms.  During 2019, the major focus pivoted from awareness of new resources to implementing efficiency and cost reduction strategies.  In 2020, additional solar energy information was added to the mix.  The focus was on how individual or community solar projects might play into longer term cost savings.  The 2021 focus continued to be on energy efficiency and cost reduction options for rural audiences.  The group has started adding some geothermal energy (indoor climate conditioning) to the educational content. A team comprised of two campus researchers and two extension staff members received an Extension Collaboration Grant for a geothermal information project.  The project will develop a technical and outreach program that supports wider adoption of geothermal energy systems in Illinois.  A decision support tool will be developed to assist decision makers and stakeholders in implementing geothermal energy for long-term solutions.  The decision support tool will link existing geological data at the university to industry design systems improving system performance while reducing initial cost in many cases.  Objective 3: Joint Proposals A proposal entitled “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher” was developed together with PI Daniel Ciolkosz at Penn State University and was selected for funding.   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Michigan</h4> Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities The following opportunities were identified in collaboration with other researchers at MSU and other Michigan Universities <ol> <li>Value added products including farm energy from agricultural wastes</li> <li>Renewable farm based wind and solar energy both for farm use and external sales</li> </ol> Objective 3: Joint Proposals The following proposals were submitted with collaborators <ol> <li>“Developing a Platform for Sustainable Valorization of Agricultural Wastes and Residues”, PI: Demeier Goksel (Central Michigan University) with 6 collaborators from Michigan State University and Central Michigan University. Submitted to USDA-NIFA-AFRI-Sustainable Agricultural Systems Program,( $10 million) [Not funded]</li> <li>“Sustainable agricultural mobility technology for specialty crop production” PI Ajit Srivastava (MSU) with 3 collaborators from MSU ($163K), Submitted to Michigan Economic Development Council [Waiting]</li> </ol>   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: New Jersey</h4> Objective 1: Survey Report Two chapters titled “Energy Efficiency - Greenhouse Energy Management” and “On-Farm Energy Production - Solar, Wind, Geothermal” were submitted as part of our committee’s efforts to report on the regional farm energy status and outlook. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities None Objective 3: Joint Proposals We are participating in the USDA-funded “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher” project that was developed in collaboration with members of this committee. Other accomplishments you want to report that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives: The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station formed the Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program that aims to conduct research and demonstration of agrivoltaics systems. Agrivoltaic systems allow for the land to remain in agricultural production while generating renewable energy with solar panels. The goal is for any yield losses (due to the reduced availability of light) to be (at a minimum) financially compensated for through income from electricity generation. David Specca was appointed program lead. To date the program has received $100K in funding from the NJAES and $2M from an appropriation from the state legislature.   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Pennsylvania</h4> Objective 1: Survey Report The volume has been completed (including internal review and revision) and submitted to the publisher.  Contents consist of the following: <ol> <li>Energy Use on the Farm, Ciolkosz, A. Go</li> <li>Energy Efficiency - Smart Metering, Johnstonbaugh, X. Wang</li> <li>Energy Efficiency - Equipment Use and Installation, Sanford, A. Go</li> <li>Energy Efficiency - Field Operations, Sanford, A. Go</li> <li>Energy Efficiency - Dairy Operations, Sanford, A. Go</li> <li>Energy Efficiency - Livestock Housing Operations, Sanford, A. Go</li> <li>Energy Efficiency - Fruit and Vegetable Storage, Sanford, A. Go</li> <li>Energy Efficiency - Grain Drying, Sanford, A. Go</li> <li>Energy Efficiency - Irrigation, Sanford, A. Go</li> <li>Energy Efficiency - Maple Syrup, Sanford, A. Go</li> <li>Energy Efficiency - Greenhouses, Both</li> <li>On-Farm Energy Production - Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Both</li> <li>On-Farm Energy Production - Biomass Thermal, Johnstonbaugh</li> <li>On Farm Energy Production - Biogas, Hassanein, S. Lansing, E. Keller</li> <li>On-Farm Energy Production - Biofuels, Ciolkosz, M. Steiman</li> </ol> Penn State's component included overall editing of the volume and authorship or co-authorship of chapters 1, 2, 13 and 15. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities no progress to report Objective 3: Joint Proposals Team members participated in several project proposals: Carbon Smart Farming (S Fathel): Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, teaming with Virginia Tech (J Ignosh) and Michigan State (C Gould).  Proposed developing educational materials related to carbon markets and opportunities for farmers.  Willow Debarking (D Ciolkosz): USDA AFRI, teaming with SUNY ESF (Kumar) and Purdue (Chahal).  Proposed research and extension on processing of short rotation willow.  Poultry AD Co-Treatment (D Ciolkosz): USDA AFRI. Proposed research on cotreatment-assisted AD of poultry waste.  Biogas in the Ukraine (D Ciolkosz): CRDF.  Proposed support of development of a biogas research effort at university in Ukraine.  Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives: Wood Innovation Grant (Johnstonbaugh, Ciolkosz, Musgrave): Penn State Extension began its no cost extension on this biochar project, and is pursuing a demonstration test of biochar addition to a municipal wastewater treatment plant.  MASBio (Ciolkosz, Johnstonbaugh, Musgrave, Wurzbacher): In this AFRI CAP project, involving multiple institutions, extension, research and education efforts were launched related to biomass production on marginal lands, and biochar manufacture.  Energy is a component of this effort, but not the primary focus.  C-Change Grass to Gas (Ciolkosz, Fathel, Johnstonbaugh): In this AFRI CAP led by Iowa State, education, extension and research efforts were undertaken to develop scenarios for enhanced biogas production from the use of perennial grasses, grown in ecologically strategic locations on farms.  Farm Energy Day Webinar Series (Ciolkosz, Fathel, Johnstonbaugh, Ollendyke): A series of 8 webinars were delivered on farm energy topics, supported by the PA Department of Environmental Protection.  National Energy Extension Summit (Ciolkosz, Johnstonbaugh, Wurzbacher): Penn State will be hosting the National Energy Extension Summit / National Sustainability Summit on May 15-18 in State College, PA.  Many NECC-2001 committee members are involved in the planning of this event.  Student Research: Past and ongoing student research projects of relevance to Farm Energy Production and Use include: <ul> <li>Wheat Straw Torrefaction and Conversion (B Memis, J Tripathi, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Biomass Sorption (A Arya, J Tripathi, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Biomass Pelleting (Y Li, K Lopez, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Biogas from Cellulosic Feedstock (M McVey, D Ciolkosz)</li> <li>Energy Bill Assessment (A Nair, S Fathel, D Ciolkosz</li> <li>Biochar Enhanced Infiltration Basin Case Study (J Regan, D Ciolkosz, L McPhillips)</li> <li>Soil loss during establishment of bioenergy crops (G Zaleski, S Fathel)</li> </ul> Farm Energy Efficiency Programming: Several steps were taken to expand energy efficiency programming: <ul> <li>Online Calculator Tools were developed to help with energy efficiency assessment and bill analysis.</li> <li>A partnership was made with a local engineering firm to involve students in farm energy audits.</li> </ul> Support for these projects was provided by ongoing grants, College of Agricultural Science research funds, and the Graves Extension Endowment.  Farm Energy Course (Fathel): Course which focuses on biorenewable energy sources derived from farms at Penn State University. A key component of this course is a semester long energy audit project, wherein teams of students perform energy audits local farms or businesses following ASABE Standards. This is a required course for undergraduate students in the BioRenewable Systems major.   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Maryland</h4> Objective 1: Survey Report Nothing to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities The Maryland team has been working with on-farm energy efficiency and conservation. <ul> <li>The Maryland team facilitated a series of online educational webinars to support a documented need for energy education in Maryland related to on-farm solar photovoltaics (PV) or agricultural solar. This virtual training program was conducted between September 30 and December 2, 2020. Approximately 59 farmers and agricultural service providers participated in the program to learn about the options, opportunities and challenges associated with on-farm solar PV to support farm sustainability. The educational curriculum and associated training sessions addressed the basic principles of solar PV technology, an exploration of appropriate on-farm applications, and an overview of solar contracts and leasing options relevant to Maryland farmers. The 9-part educational series addressed: Maryland’s solar market; solar PV basics; planning and design; regulations and zoning; installation and maintenance; financial options; shared solar; utility-scale leasing; and battery storage. A handbook and curriculum are now being developed to support continued programmatic efforts.</li> <li>The Maryland Team is now conducting hands-on training and educational workshops with solar photovoltaics (PV) to support energy education for farmers and agricultural service providers. The team is producing a monthly training video and series of related factsheets to provide hands-on training with solar PV. Additional in-person workshops throughout Maryland are under planning and development to address the basic principles of electricity, PV components, and system design.</li> </ul> The University of Maryland team has been working with farmers in implementing anaerobic digestion technology for dairy and poultry famers, as well as fluidized bed combustion for poultry manure. <ul> <li>The Maryland team has worked with a dairy farm in Cecil County, MD to upgrade their digester and installing a combined heat and power system for their covered lagoon digester with food waste co-digestion. The team has worked with them to identify vendors, review feasibility studies, collect information on power purchase agreements, and is now conducting third-party verification for MDA on the system function. Future extension efforts will focus on helping farmers navigate power purchase agreements and understanding opportunities with food waste co-digestion. Work funded under Maryland Department of Agriculture.</li> <li>The Maryland team worked with farmers interested in the new nutrient trading program and how anaerobic digestion (with composting), combustion, and gasification can be used for receiving future nutrient trading credits. Future extension efforts will focus on helping farmers navigate this area and how farm energy technologies can be integrated into this new program.</li> <li>The Maryland team conducted third-party monitoring of system operations of a fluidized bed combustion unit for poultry litter for heating the poultry houses in Dorchester County, MD to implement and quantify electrical and thermal energy and ash production. The Final Report and Fact Sheet were submitted to Maryland Department of Agriculture and a publication from this work using a life cycle assessment approach was published.</li> <li>The Maryland team worked with a poultry farm in Worcester County, MD to implement and quantify biogas production and nutrient recovery from a poultry litter digester with post-digestion nutrient recovery and re-use of the effluent water in the front of the digestion system. The team has completed gathering data on this system, and conducted life cycle assessment of the technology. We finished the final report and Fact Sheet, which were submitted to Maryland Department of Agriculture in 2020.</li> <li>The Maryland team is working on reducing antimicrobial resistance through integration of engineering and social science, Dr Lansing team lead a multi-million USDA grant that developed a new method for antibiotic detection in manure and determined the effect of advanced treatment technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and composting, on resistance.</li> <li>The Maryland is working with using biochar from pyrolysis to grow greenhouse plants and turf grass, and quantifying plant growth, nutrient translocation, and pollution removal through biochar application with turf grass receiving stormwater.</li> </ul> Objective 3: Joint Proposals None Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives: None   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Virginia</h4> Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities A variety of needs-based extension and on-farm research work related to farm energy issues have been identified, including through the following sponsored projects: <ul> <li>Extending the Growing Season of High-Value Crops using Innovative Renewable Energy Systems A Proposal to the Diversity and Inclusion Seed Investments Program, ICTAS - Virginia Tech. Ignosh, J. Welbaum, G.; Rafie, R.; Mullins, C.; Ogejo, J.. 11/19-6/21</li> <li>Reducing Air Emissions from On-Farm Poultry Litter-Fueled Energy Systems, USDA-NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant. Ignosh, J. & Ogejo, J. 8/17-7/21</li> <li>Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance: Technology Transfer for Transportable Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems, Sub-award from Chesapeake Bay Foundation. National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. Ignosh, j. & Booher, M. 11/18-12/22</li> </ul> Objective 3: Proposals <ul> <li>Joint Proposal - “Carbon Smart Farming for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers”, NIFA – (PI: S. Fathel, PSU); not funded</li> <li>“A Better Solar “Panel” from Virginia Tech”, CALS – Virginia Tech - $60,000 (PI: J. Ignosh)</li> <li>“Solar Energy & STEM – Virginia 4H”, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy - $6,165 (PI: J. Ignosh)</li> <li>“Keeping on the Sunny Side with On-Farm Solar Applications”, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy - $50,000 (PI: J. Ignosh)</li> </ul>   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Wisconsin</h4> Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report Objective 2: Identify Opportunities Development of short videos on farm energy topics related to agricultural production. Developed videos on reducing energy in field operation, and maple syrup production. Energy Self-Assessment website (<a href="http://ruralenergy.wisc.edu/">http://ruralenergy.wisc.edu/</a>) – revised the Lighting module to recommend LED lighting and updated broken links in other modules. Climate Change Programing - The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is responding to the challenges a changing climate brings to our environment, communities, and economies. Being prepared for extreme weather events is good planning and is integrated into many of our county and state programs. Saving energy saves money, and reduces carbon emissions. Integrating culture and place-based observations of change helps us bring the science of climate change to our communities. Building local climate leadership equips communities to take action to adapt to these changes. <a href="https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/climate/">https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/climate/</a> Objective 3: Joint Proposals None. Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-2001 Multistate Research Project objectives: Undergraduate Courses: BSE/ENVIR ST  367 — RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS Students will learn about the state-of-the-art in renewable energy applications including biomass for heat, electric power and liquid fuels as well as geo-energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro power. Students will do engineering calculations of power and energy availability of renewable energy sources and learn about requirements for integrating renewable energy sources into production, distribution and end-use systems. Taught 3 times per year. On-line course. BSE 460 — BIOREFINING: ENERGY AND PRODUCTS FROM RENEWABLE RESOURCES Concepts, processes, status quo and future direction of biorefining for production of energy (fuels), chemicals and materials from biomass, with emphases on chemical, biological and engineering aspects of the biorefining.

Publications

<h3>Publications</h3> <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Connecticut</h4> Non-Refereed Conference Publications (Published) <ul> <li>Singh, A.K., R. McAvoy and Yang, 2021. An experimental study on GREENBOX technology: feasibility and performance. ASABE Paper No. 2100453. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI</li> <li>Singh, A.K. R. McAvoy and Yang. 2021. Comparison of environmental condition, productivity, and resources use between GREENBOX and greenhouse for growing lettuce. ASABE Paper No. 2100455. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI</li> </ul>   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Illinois</h4> Books (Published) <ul> <li>Regional Perspectives on Farm Energy, Editor Daniel Ciolkosz, 2021, Springer Nature.</li> </ul> Refereed Journal Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Zilong Zhao, Yanwen Xu, Yu-Feng Lin, Xinlei Wang, Pingfeng Wang. 2021. Probabilistic modeling and reliability-based design optimization of a ground source heat pump system. Applied Thermal Engineering 197. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2021.117341">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2021.117341</a>.</li> </ul>   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: New Jersey</h4> Dissertations, Theses (Published): <ul> <li>Michael Ilardi, M.S. 2021 (University of Georgia). Thesis title: Supplemental lighting time best justifies the efficacy of transition from HPS lighting to LED lighting in greenhouses. A.J. Both served as an external member of the thesis advisory committee.</li> <li>Masaki Kurosaki, M.S. 2021 (Cornell University). Thesis title: Optimizing lighting and carbon dioxide enrichment for controlled environment production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and tomato (Solanum esculentum L.). A.J. Both served as an external member of the thesis advisory committee.</li> <li>Matthew Patterson, Ph.D. 2021 (Rutgers University). Dissertation title: Characterization and analysis of three-dimensional flow processes in soils: Laboratory and field applications. A.J. Both served as a member of the dissertation advisory committee.</li> </ul> Refereed Journal Articles (Published): <ul> <li>Shelford, T.J. and A.J. Both. 2021. On the technical performance characteristics of horticultural lamps. AgriEngineering 3:716–727. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering3040046</li> </ul> Other Creative Works: <ul> <li>Ayeni, A., J. Dmitruck, W. Sciarappa, A.J. Both, D. McNamara, and A.M. Lotfi. 2021. Indoor cultivation instruction at the Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ. RCE Bulletin E-360.</li> <li>Both, A.J. 2021. The science and art of crop irrigation. In Ball Redbook (19th Edition), C. Beytes (ed.), Volume 1: Greenhouse Structures, Equipment, and Technology. Ball Publishing. pp. 64-68.</li> <li>Both, A.J. 2021. Glazing: It’s what makes the greenhouse. In Ball Redbook (19th Edition), C. Beytes (ed.), Volume 1: Greenhouse Structures, Equipment, and Technology. Ball Publishing. pp. 26-30.</li> <li>Fathel, S.L., A.J. Both. D. Ciolkosz, K. DiMarco, A. Go, M.C. Gould, S. Guran, F.J. Hay, J. Ignosh, E. Johnstonbaugh, S. Sanford, D. Specca, X. Wang. 2021. Farm energy Extension material development from a multi-institutional team. Poster presented at the Annual International Meeting of the ASABE. Virtual meeting, July 12-16.</li> <li>Both, A.J. 2021. Plant lighting for CEA crop production. Presentation for the Plant Production Lunch and Learn Webinar Series for Green Industries, hosted by the University of New Hampshire. March 2.</li> <li>Murphy, J., C. Ripberger, M. Westendorf, and A.J. Both. 2021. Developing an extension program (presentation and panel discussion). Rutgers Cooperative Extension Annual Conference (virtual). January 14.</li> <li>Shelford, T.S. and A.J. Both. 2020. Plant lighting fact sheet. Published by Greenhouse Lighting and Systems Engineering (GLASE; https://glase.org/). 4 pp.</li> </ul> Workshop Sponsor: <ul> <li>Sciarappa, W., A.J. Both, and A. Ayeni. 2021. Hydroponics/Controlled Environment Systems. Four-hour virtual workshop that was part of the 66th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. February 22-25.</li> </ul> Refereed Journal Articles (Pending): <ul> <li>Brumfield, R.G., D. Greenwood, M. Flahive DiNardo, A.J. Both, J.R. Heckman, R. Govindasamy, N. Polanin, A.A. Rouff, A. Rowe, R. VanVranken, and S. Arumugam. 202x. A non-parametric approach to evaluate a risk management-training program designed to empower women farmers in New Jersey. Submitted for publication to Vimarsh Journal.</li> <li>Greenwood, D., R.G. Brumfield, M. Flahive DiNardo, A.J. Both, J.R. Heckman, N. Polanin, A. Rouff, A. Rowe, and R. VanVranken. 202x. Annie’s Project: Farming in New Jersey’s Cities and the Urban Fringe. Submitted for review to the Journal of Extension.</li> <li>Llewellyn, D., T.J. Shelford, Y. Zheng, and A.J. Both. 202x. Measuring and reporting lighting characteristics important for controlled environment plant production. Submitted for publication to Acta Horticulturae. Presented at LightSym, Malmö, Sweden, June 2021.</li> <li>Shelford, T.J., A.J. Both, and N. Mattson. 202x. A greenhouse daily light integral control algorithm that takes advantage of day ahead market electricity pricing. Submitted for publication to Acta Horticulturae. Presented at LightSym, Malmö, Sweden, June 2021.</li> </ul> Book Chapters (Pending): <ul> <li>Both, A.J. 202x. Greenhouse energy efficiency and management, Chapter 11. Submitted for publication in Regional Perspectives on Farm Energy. 10 pp.</li> <li>Both, A.J. 202x. On-farm energy production – Solar, wind, geothermal, Chapter 12. Submitted for publication in Regional Perspectives on Farm Energy. 13 pp.</li> </ul>   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Pennsylvania</h4> Refereed Journal Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Valentin, M., Smeets, A., Ciolkosz, D., Onalan, M., Dulay, A., Dumalhin, L., Sudaypan, C., Launio, C., Galad, M., Suclad, R., and K. Pagnas.   Concept Design of a Portable Carrot Seeder.  Journal of Engineering Research and Reports.  131-141. DOI: 10.9734/jerr/2021/v20i417302.   </li> <li>Dummapi, F., Liniasan, J. I., Valentin, M. T., Onalan, M. B., Dumalhin, L. D., Galad, M. N., Ciolkosz, D., Jasinskas, A., and E. Kelly.    Processing of Wild Sunflower with Different Moisture Contents into Solid Bio Fuel.  Journal of Energy Research and Reviews.  7(2): 1-9.</li> <li>Nunes, L., Matias, J., Loureiro, L., Silva, L., Rodrigues, A., Causer, T., DeVallance, D., Ciolkosz, D.   Evaluation of the potential agroforestry waste recovery: energy densification as a factor for biomass logistics optimization.  Applied Sciences.  11 (20). 23pp.</li> <li>Tripathi, J., Arya, A., and D. Ciolkosz.   Switchgrass as oil and water-spill sorbent: Effect of particle size, torrefaction, and regeneration methods.  Journal of Environmental Management.  201(2021).  7pp.  doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111908.</li> <li>Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Puri, V., Jacobson, M., and J. Liu.   Mechanical Characteristics of Wood Bark Interface of Shrub Willow.  Industrial Crops and Products.  162 (2021).  7pp. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.113236. </li> <li>Ciolkosz, D., Kukharets, S., and J. Tripathi. Torrefied Biomass in a Ukranian Biofuel Production System.  Proceedings of IV International Scientific and Practical Conference on Bio-Energy Systems.  May 29, 2020.  Zhytomer, Ukraine.  5pp.</li> <li>Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Jacobson, M., Liu, J., and V. Puri.   Factors Affecting Wood-Bark Adhesion for Debarking of Shrub Willow.  Biosystems Engineering.  196(2020). 202-209. </li> </ul> Popular Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Ciolkosz, D.   Grass to Gas – for Digester Biogas.  Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu – published 16 March, 2021.</li> <li>Ciolkosz, D.   Penn State to Host National Energy Summit.  Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu – published 16 March, 2021.</li> <li>Ciolkosz, D.   Penn State Extension to Explore New Frontiers in Biogas.  Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu – published 10 November, 2020.</li> <li>Chahal, A., and Ciolkosz, D.   Debarking to Increase Value of Short-Rotation Woody Crops.  Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu – published 10 November, 2020.</li> <li>Ciolkosz, D.   Biomass Heat Records Another "Win" in Pennsylvania.  Penn State Extension Renewable and Alternative Energy Newsletter (online).  http://energy.extension.psu.edu – published 10 November, 2020.</li> <li>Fathel, S.   Drip Irrigation can Save Energy and Money. Penn State Extension (online). <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/drip-irrigation-can-save-energy-and-money">https://extension.psu.edu/drip-irrigation-can-save-energy-and-money</a> - published 20 October, 2020.</li> <li>Nair, A., Fathel, S., and D. Ciolkosz. Understanding and Analyzing Your Utility Bills. Penn State Extension (online). https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-and-analyzing-your-utility-bills</li> </ul> Presentations (Papers)  <ul> <li>Fathel, S., Both, A., Ciolkosz, D., DiMarco, K., Go, A., Gould, M., Guran, S., Hay, F., Ignosh, J., Johnstonbaugh, E., Sanford, S., Specca, D., and X. Wang.   Farm Energy Extension Material Development from a Multi-Institutional Team.  Presented at ASABE 2021 Annual International Meeting (online).  11-14 July, 2021. </li> <li>Tripathi, J., and D. Ciolkosz. 2020. Effect of Torrefaction and Alkaline Pretreatment on Glucose Yield of Wheat Straw. Presented at Virtual NABEC Conference, July 28, 2020.</li> </ul> Other Creative Works <ul> <li>Causer, T., Johnstonbaugh, E., and D Ciolkosz.   Biochar Business Opportunities for Railroad Tie Re-Use.  Extension Project Report.  August, 2020.  Penn State Extension.  University Park, PA. </li> <li>Fathel, S. and E. Johnstonbaugh. 2020. Home Energy Log: A Tool for Tracking your Energy Usage. Penn State Extension (Online Resource). <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/home-energy-log-a-tool-for-tracking-your-energy-usage">https://extension.psu.edu/home-energy-log-a-tool-for-tracking-your-energy-usage</a></li> <li>Johnstonbaugh, E., Fetter, J., and D. Ciolkosz.   Biochar for Water Quality – A Prospectus.  Penn State Extension.  University Park, PA. </li> <li>Musgrave, G., and D. Ciolkosz.   Dairy Vacuum Pump VSD Energy Calculator.  Penn State Extension (Online Resource).  <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/dairy-vacuum-pump-vsd-energy-calculator">https://extension.psu.edu/dairy-vacuum-pump-vsd-energy-calculator</a></li> <li>Musgrave, G., and D. Ciolkosz.   Well Water Precooler Energy Calculator.  Penn State Extension (Online Resource).  <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/dairy-well-water-precooler-energy-calculator">https://extension.psu.edu/dairy-well-water-precooler-energy-calculator</a></li> <li>Musgrave, G., and D. Ciolkosz.   Barn Ventilation Energy Calculator.  Penn State Extension (Online Resource).  <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/barn-ventilation-energy-calculator">https://extension.psu.edu/barn-ventilation-energy-calculator</a></li> <li>Musgrave, G., and D. Ciolkosz.   Farm Motor Upgrade Energy Calculator.  Penn State Extension (Online Resource).  <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/farm-motor-upgrade-energy-calculator">https://extension.psu.edu/farm-motor-upgrade-energy-calculator</a></li> <li>Musgrave, G., and D. Ciolkosz.   Tractor Engine Block Heater Timer Calculator.  Penn State Extension (Online Resource).  <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/tractor-engine-block-heater-timer-calculator">https://extension.psu.edu/tractor-engine-block-heater-timer-calculator</a></li> <li>Musgrave, G., and D. Ciolkosz.   Field Operations Energy Calculator.  Penn State Extension (Online Resource).  <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/field-operations-energy-calculator">https://extension.psu.edu/field-operations-energy-calculator</a></li> <li>Nair, A. and S. Fathel. 2021. Utility Bill Analysis Tool. Penn State Extension (Online Resource). <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/utility-bill-analysis-tool">https://extension.psu.edu/utility-bill-analysis-tool</a></li> <li>Nair, A. and S. Fathel.   Comparison Tool for Fixed and Tiered Energy Rates (Online Resource.) <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/comparison-tool-for-fixed-and-tiered-energy-rates">https://extension.psu.edu/comparison-tool-for-fixed-and-tiered-energy-rates</a></li> </ul> Workshop Sponsor Farm Energy Day Webinar Series (8 Events).  18 March – 06 May, 2021.  Penn State Extension.  <ul> <li><a href="https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-analyzing-your-farms-utility-bills">https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-analyzing-your-farms-utility-bills</a></li> <li><a href="https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-dairy-farm-energy-efficiency-opportunities">https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-dairy-farm-energy-efficiency-opportunities</a></li> <li><a href="https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-poultry-farm-energy-efficiency-opportunities">https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-poultry-farm-energy-efficiency-opportunities</a></li> <li><a href="https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-solar-power-on-the-farm">https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-solar-power-on-the-farm</a></li> <li><a href="https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-high-efficiency-lighting">https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-high-efficiency-lighting</a></li> <li><a href="https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-making-the-most-of-your-heating-options">https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-making-the-most-of-your-heating-options</a></li> <li><a href="https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-biogas-digesters-for-heat-and-power">https://extension.psu.edu/farm-energy-day-biogas-digesters-for-heat-and-power</a></li> </ul> Workshop Participant <ul> <li>Fathel, S. Farms, Energy, Irrigation Efficiency, and Project Drawdown.  Delaware County Institute of Science (DCIS) Drawdown Series (online). 27 May 2021. https://sites.google.com/view/drawdowndcis/schedule/food?authuser=0</li> </ul> Refereed Journal Articles (Pending) <ul> <li>Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Jacobson, M., Liu, J., and V. Puri.   Techno-Economic Analysis for Assessing the Supply Chain Associated with debarking of bioenergy crop: Shrub Willow.  Biomass and Bioenergy.  Submitted for Publication. </li> <li>Fathel, S., Herbstitt, S., Reinford, B., and T. Richard. 2021. Waste to Worth: A Case Study of the Renewable Natural Gas Circular Economy in Pennsylvania. Transactions of ASABE, 2022 Circular Food and Agricultural Systems Special Collection. Submitted for Publication.</li> <li>Memis, B., Ciolkosz, D., Richard, T., and M. Hall.   Impact of Alkali Pretreatment and Torrefaction on Glucose Production From Wheat Straw.  Bioenergy Research.  Submitted for Publication.</li> <li>Chahal, A., Tripathi, J., Ciolkosz, D., Wurzbacher, S., and M. Jacobson.   Perceptions of Debarking Small Stems in the Wood Products Community.  Forest Products Journal.  Accepted for Publication.</li> </ul>   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Maryland</h4> Refereed Journal Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Choudhury, A., Lansing, S., 2021. Absorption of hydrogen sulfide in biogas using a novel iron-impregnated biochar scrubbing system. J. Environmental Chemical Engineering. doi: 10.1016/j.jece.2020.104837</li> <li>Choudhury, A., Felton, G., Moyle, J., Lansing, S., 2020. Fluidized bed combustion of poultry litter at farm-scale: Environmental impacts using a life cycle approach. Journal of Cleaner Production 276, 124231/. doi: 10.1016/j.clepro.2020.124231.</li> <li>Hassanein, A., Kumar, A. N., Lansing, S., 2021. Impact of Electro-Conductive Nanoparticles Additives on Anaerobic Digestion Performance-A review. Bioresource Technology. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126023</li> <li>Hassanein, A., Keller, E., Lansing, S., 2021. Effect of metal nanoparticles in anaerobic digestion production and plant uptake from effluent fertilizer. Bioresource Technology. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124455</li> <li>Hassanein, A., Witarsa, F., Lansing, S., Qiu, L. Yong, L., 2020. Bio-electrochemical enhancement of hydrogen and methane production in a combined anaerobic digester (AD) and microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) from dairy manure. Sustainability 12, 8491: doi: 10.3390/su12208491.</li> <li>Huertas, J.K., Quipuzco, L., Hassanein, A., Lansing, S., 2020. Comparing hydrogen sulfide removal efficiency in a field-scale digester using microaeration and iron filters. Energies 13, 4793. doi: 10.3390/en13184793.</li> <li>Oliver, J., Gooch, C., Lansing, S., Schueler, J., Hurst, J., Sassoubre, L., Crossette, E., Aga, D., 2020. Invited Review: Fate of antibiotic residues, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and antibiotic resistance genes in US dairy manure management systems. Journal of Dairy Science 103:1051-1071. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-16778.</li> <li>Schueler, J., Lansing, S., Crossette, E., Naas, K., Hurst, J., Raskin, L., Wigginton, K., Aga, D.S., 2021. Tetracycline, sulfadimethoxine, and antibiotic resistance gene dynamics during anaerobic digestion of dairy manure. Journal of Environmental Quality 50(3): 694-705. doi: 10.1002/jeq2.20211</li> <li>Schueler, J., Lansing, S., Naas, K., Hurst, J., Aga, D.D., Lansing, S*., 2021. Effects of on-farm dairy manure composting on tetracycline content and nutrient composition. Journal of Antibiotics 10 (4): 443. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics10040443</li> <li>Wind, L., Briganti, J.S., Brown, A.M., Neher, T.P., Davis, M.F., Durso, L.M., Spicer, T., Lansing, S*., 2021. Finding what is inaccessible: Antimicrobial resistance language use among the One Health domains. Journal of Antibiotics 10 (4): 385. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics10040385</li> <li>Witarsa, F., Lupitskyy, R., Moss, A., Kulow, A., Lansing, S., 2021. Ammonia capture with biogas purification from anaerobically digested poultry litter. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology. doi: 10.1002/jctb.6557</li> </ul> Extension Publications (Published)  <ul> <li>Lansing, S., Hassanein, A., 2020. Anaerobic Digestion and Nutrient Capture from Poultry Litter on the Maryland Eastern Shore: Case Study: University of Maryland Extension, Fact Sheet.</li> </ul> Popular Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Schiavone, D., 2021. Agrivoltaics: adding solar to your farm. University of Maryland Extension, Maryland Energy Extension Newsletter. College Park, MD. July 15, 2021.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2021. Conserving energy with seasonal tractor maintenance. University of Maryland Extension, Maryland Energy Extension Newsletter. College Park, MD. April 15, 2021.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2021. Winter energy tips for farms. University of Maryland Extension, Maryland Energy Extension Newsletter. College Park, MD. January 13, 2021.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. Simple ways to save farm energy. University of Maryland Extension, Maryland Energy Extension Newsletter. College Park, MD. October 15, 2020.</li> </ul> Invited Presentations (without Proceedings) <ul> <li>Hassanein, A., Innovation in Waste to Energy Technology, Zayed International foundation for The Environment, Feb 7, 2021.</li> <li>Hassanein, A., University of Maryland anaerobic digestion research, Dairy Digester Roundtable, Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania, March 2, 2021.</li> <li>Lansing, S., 2021. Keynote: Carbon cycling and sequestration through digestion: Effects of policy, food waste and co-substrate inclusion, and leakage on climate change. Progress in Biogas V (Virtual). September 24, 2021.</li> <li>Lansing, S., 2021. Interdisciplinary teams, conflicts, and personalities. CONSERVE Internship Seminar Series. Virtual Meeting. July 28, 2021.</li> <li>Lansing, S., 2021. Quantifying cattle manure-AMR perceptions and treatment system variabilities to develop a novel communication framework for conveying AMR science and mitigation opportunities: A4171 Food Safety Challenge Area Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance. USDA-AFRI Project Directors Meeting. Virtual Meeting. May 3-5, 2021.</li> <li>Lansing, S., 2021. Lansing lab anaerobic digestion research potential. UMD Research Leaders and WGL Leadership. Virtual Meeting. March 3, 2021.</li> <li>Lansing, S., Hassanein, A., 2021. University of Maryland anaerobic digestion research and extension outreach. Pennsylvania Dairy Digester Roundtable. Virtual. March 2, 2021.</li> <li>Lansing, S., 2021. Waste to energy and sustainable products. UMD Research Leaders and WGL Leadership. Virtual Meeting. January 25, 2021.</li> <li>Lansing, S., 2020. Project-based data practicum at the nexus of the food, energy, and water systems. University of Maryland Global STEWARDS Annual Meeting. Virtual Meeting. January 24, 2020.</li> <li>Lansing, S., 2020. Poultry litter anaerobic digestion in the US. C-Change Conference: Why are we missing the boat on biogas? Virtual Conference. October 19, 2020.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2021. Maryland Energy Extension program update. Maryland Association of County Agricultural Agents. College Park, MD. Online. June 24, 2021.</li> </ul> Presentations (without Proceedings)  <ul> <li>Lansing, S., Hassanein, A., Moss, A., Cloyd, N., Witarsa, W. 2021. Farm-scale poultry litter anaerobic digestion (AD) combined nutrient capture system (NCS) and prototype ammonia scrubber for energy production and nutrient recovery. Progress in Biogas V (Virtual). September 24, 2021.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2021. On-farm solar energy opportunities and training. Northeast Agricultural and Biological Engineering Conference (NABEC). Virtual. July 27, 2021.</li> </ul> Posters (without Proceedings)  <ul> <li>Schiavone, D., 2021. On-farm solar photovoltaic training through Maryland Extension. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Virtual. July 14, 2021.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2021. Opportunities and barriers to energy extension in Maryland. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Virtual. July 14, 2021.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. Opportunities and barriers to energy Extension in Maryland. NACAA Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference, Virginia Beach, VA. (Online). September 30, 2020.</li> </ul> Other Creative Works <ul> <li>Schiavone, D., 2021. Solar-Clips: How to perform a load assessment for a solar electric system. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. September 3, 2021. Video (14:07).</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2021. Solar-Clips: How to assess power and shading on solar modules. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. August 2, 2021. Video (10:47).</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2021. Solar-Clips: How to test and replace diodes in solar modules. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. June 30, 2021. Video (10:50).</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2021. Solar-Clips: How to use a multimeter with solar modules. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. May 31, 2021. Video (11:27).</li> <li>Maryland Energy Extension Newsletter. (Quarterly). University of Maryland Extension. (1 Edition). 67 list serve recipients and 17 direct downloads. Available at: https://extension.umd.edu/energy/mee-newsletters-and-briefs</li> </ul> Reports <ul> <li>Lansing, S., 2021. Surveys and communication of AMR: Human dimensions conference. Final Report USDA-AFRI. 6 pages.</li> <li>Lansing, S., Hassanein, A., 2020. Demonstration of an anaerobic digester processing poultry litter with a nutrient capture system. Final Report to Maryland Department of Agriculture. 20 pages.</li> </ul> Workshop Sponsor <ul> <li>On-Farm Solar Webinar Training Series. University of Maryland, Extension. College Park, MD. September 30, 2020 – December 2, 2020 (9 sessions). Online, 59 participants.</li> </ul> Workshop Speaker <ul> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. On-Farm Solar PV Training Series: Solar and battery storage. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. December 2, 2020. Online, 18 attendees.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. On-Farm Solar PV Training Series: Utility-scale solar leasing. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. November 18, 2020. Online, 14 attendees.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. On-Farm Solar PV Training Series: Community solar and solar co-ops. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. November 11, 2020. Online, 15 attendees.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. On-Farm Solar PV Training Series: Solar financial options. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. November 4, 2020. Online, 11 attendees.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. On-Farm Solar PV Training Series: Solar installation and maintenance. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. October 28, 2020. Online, 18 attendees.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. On-Farm Solar PV Training Series: Solar regulations and zoning. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. October 21, 2020. Online, 22 attendees.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. On-Farm Solar PV Training Series: Solar planning and design. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. October 14, 2020. Online, 25 attendees.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. On-Farm Solar PV Training Series: Solar PV basics. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. October 7, 2020. Online, 26 attendees.</li> <li>Schiavone, D., 2020. On-Farm Solar PV Training Series: Maryland’s solar market. University of Maryland. College Park, MD. September 30, 2020. Online, 30 attendees.</li> </ul>   <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Virginia</h4> Popular Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Reiter M, Ignosh J, Neill C, Zimmerman E, Hughes-Evans K & Morris V. 2021. Financial Feasibility and Market Analysis of Poultry Litter Ash Fertilizer Granules. SPES-330NP. 08 Jun 2021. Virginia Cooperative Extension.</li> </ul> Presentations <ul> <li>Ignosh J, Reiter M, Ogejo J. & Neill C. 2021. Evaluation of an On-farm Bioenergy System with Value-added Nutrient Recovery & Reuse: An Opportunity for Circular Agricultural Systems? Poster. ASABE 2021, Virtual, 11 Jul 2021-14</li> </ul> Other Creative Works <ul> <li>Webinar: Ignosh J., Booher M., Pent. G. 2020. Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems for Livestock: Some Experiences & Considerations for Moveable Systems. Presentation date: 10 Nov 2020</li> <li>Ignosh J., Reiter M., Moss A., Mulkey A., Zimmerman, E.R. & Chesnik P. 2021. Innovative Technologies for Poultry Litter, Manure-to-energy webinar for Delmarva Land and Litter Challenge committee. Presentation date: 02 Jun 2021 </li> </ul> <h4>EXPERIMENT STATION: Wisconsin</h4> Refereed Journal Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Chung H, J Li, Y Kim, JM Van Os, SH Brounts, CY Choi (2020) Using implantable biosensors and wearable scanners to monitor dairy cattle’s core body temperature in real-time, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 174, 105453.</li> </ul> Popular Articles (Published)  <ul> <li>Energy On Wisconsin – Monthly newsletter about renewable energy issues, policy, incentives, local energy projects, clean energy jobs, national projects and policy. Editor: Sherrie Gruder (<a href="https://energyonwi.extension.wisc.edu/">https://energyonwi.extension.wisc.edu/</a>)</li> </ul> Videos <ul> <li>Sanford, Can you lower energy costs for field crop production?</li> <li>Sanford, How to increase profits making maple syrup?</li> </ul>

Impact Statements

EXPERIMENT STATION: Virginia • Addressing Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Challenges via On-farm Bioenergy Innovations at Poultry Farms (J. Ignosh, J. Ogejo & M. Reiter) On-farm thermal energy conversion systems represent some of the new approaches which are needed to more efficiently address the fundamental nutrient imbalances between the US grain belt and certain animal-based agricultural systems within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, while also generating renewable energy and displacing propane. Since 2018, the NRCS-funded “Reducing Air Emissions from On-Farm Poultry Litter-Fueled Energy Systems” project has focused on assessing the performance of emissions abatement systems being developed by two technology providers for thermal conversion systems under assessment at two host farms. In 2020, work focused on assessing a new on-farm emission abatement technology. The application of these innovative technologies could serve to help expand opportunities to: recycle finite phosphorous resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and potentially help benefit poultry farmers by increasing their nutrient and energy management alternatives. • Design and Siting Considerations for Transportable Water Pumping Stations for Livestock Watering Systems on Rented Pastures in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (J. Ignosh & M. Booher) Beef cattle represent Virginia’s second largest agricultural commodity and approximately one-third of Virginia farmland is rented pasture. The Chesapeake Bay TMDL and Virginia’s Watershed Implementation Plan, sets forth a series of sector-specific best management practices including additional fencing to exclude livestock from streams. For some of these pastures, additional fencing may require alternative livestock watering systems. The cost to extend the electrical grid to power a small water pump may prove to be prohibitively expensive for some locations. Furthermore, the installation of capital-intensive livestock watering improvements can be problematic on rented acreage with annually renewable leases. In 2020 the project team continued their field work to evaluate the performance and farmer experiences with transportable solar-powered water pumping systems for use in freeze-free months. In 2020, systems delivered 26K and 12K gallons of water, with an estimated levelized cost of energy for a solar-powered water pumping system of $1.67/kWh versus approximately $3.23/kWh for a 1/8th-mile grid extension at $10/ft and an estimated delivered cost of $8.93/thousand gallons of water versus $17.20/thousand gallons of water via the grid extension, or $35.08/thousand gallons of hauled water; and reduces 0.81 MTCO2e versus the grid-tied, or 5.54 MTCO2e versus the hauling alternatives, based on representative project assumptions. • Utility-scale Solar Project Development in Virginia: Informational Series (J. Ignosh) The Virginia Clean Economy Act of 2020 stipulates that by 2045 all electricity must be from renewable energy and targets development of 16GW for renewables and 3GW of energy storage. Currently, and into the near future, much of this energy project development is proposed to occur as USS projects. Virginia USS capacity is currently 1GW with an average USS footprint of 10.4 acres/MW. Across Virginia, many projects have been developed and many more proposed, often with mixed reactions across the communities. An informational webinar series was developed to help answer stakeholder questions. The six-webinar series has included more than 700 registrants, including participants from landowners, state agencies, researchers, project developers from industry, utility companies, county planners/Board of Supervisors, non-governmental organizations, among many others to share information, resources, lessons learned, and emerging best practices for utility-scale solar project development in Virginia. 80% of respondents indicate that their awareness of issues regarding utility-scale PV projects in Virginia increased. Artifacts from these sessions, along with related educational resources, are now hosted on a website for asynchronous access. Additional collaborations and project proposals are underway to provide a deeper response to the issues, opportunities, challenges, and remaining knowledge gaps of utility-scale solar project development in Virginia.

Date of Annual Report: 01/27/2023

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 12/01/2022 - 12/01/2022
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2021 - 09/30/2022

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes are included in the enclosed full report PDF.

Minutes Attachment:

NECC2001_2022report.pdf

Accomplishments

ACCOMPLISHMENTS The objectives of this regional project are to: 1. Prepare a survey report on the "regional farm energy status and outlook" 2. Identify research, education, and extension opportunities and needs for the topic of farm energy 3. Prepare joint proposals for funded projects in farm energy research, education, and Extension Annual accomplishments are reported for each experiment station. EXPERIMENT STATION: CONNECTICUT Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities The Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station at University of Connecticut has supported studies on sustainable farm energy production and use. The current study focuses on the development of the so-called GREENBOX technology for urban agriculture. Specific objectives include 1. To determine whether the GREENBOX can provide the required environmental conditions year around; 2. To determine how the energy and water use as well as plant growth in the GREENBOX system in comparison with that in a greenhouse; and 3. To assess the financial feasibility of the GREENBOX. Laboratory studies and analysis have been conducted in the past three (3) years at Storrs, Connecticut with protocol GREENBOXES and experimental greenhouses for growing lettuce. Results indicate that the newly proposed GREENBOX system can produce healthy lettuce crops in all four seasons with high productivity. The energy and water use are more effective compared to widely used glasshouses, and the inside environment conditions are much less variable. The benefit-cost analysis revealed that GREENBOX is financially feasible over various scenarios of different input parameters and can be used in major cities across the United States. The GREENBOX system can be used individually, or in any combination from a few to a very large number (say thousands) to meet different building configurations and economic goals. We find that the GREENBOX system is technically and financially feasible and can be used to produce fresh vegetables in urban areas with less resources and more control technologies. Objective 3: Joint Proposals A new proposal entitled “GREENBOX horticulture: A simulation study for optimization in system design and operation” has been funded by USDA Hatch funds. EXPERIMENT STATION: ILLINOIS Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities Construction of a new 54-acre, 12.32 MW(dc) Solar Farm 2.0 was started in July 2020. The overall project was completed by the end of 2020 and it has been operational since January 2021. Solar Farm 2.0 produced approximately 19,467 MWh in the first full year (6/30/21-6/30/22). All of the electricity generated by Solar Farm 2.0 are used exclusively by the Urbana campus, making the University of Illinois the third-largest user of renewable power produced on campus for all higher education facilities in the entire country. Other innovative features of Solar Farm 2.0 include the incorporation of a pollinator habitat located beneath the panels. Indigenous plants will be planted throughout the farm to welcome local and migratory birds and insects. Specifically targeted towards butterflies and bees, Solar Farm 2.0 will be a welcoming environment for wildlife, as well as being a demonstration site for meeting the requirements of the Pollinator Friendly Solar Site Act. A U of I extension team wrapped up the Smart Meter/ Energy Efficiency Education grant at the end of 2021. The project had been funded for calendar years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. The goal had been to increase energy and smart grid knowledge across the state. Hard to reach low-income, seniors, and rural residence were defined as the primary audience for this statewide effort. A team comprised of two campus researchers and two extension staff members continued the work on an Extension Collaboration Grant for a geothermal information project. The project goal is to develop a technical and outreach program that supports wider adoption of geothermal energy systems in Illinois. A decision support tool to assist decision makers and stakeholders in implementing geothermal energy for long-term solutions is currently under final stages of development. The decision support tool will link existing geological data at the university to industry design systems improving system performance while reducing initial cost in many cases. The group hosted several one hour webinars about various aspects and opportunities for geothermal as part of this project. The team plans additional webinars and in-person seminars as part of the rollout of the decision tool and associated web pages. A $10 million, four-year project - SCAPES (Sustainably Colocating Agricultural and Photovoltaic Electricity Systems) was funded through the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Sustainable Agriculture Systems program. This project will study agrivoltaics in a variety of land types and climate scenarios (Illinois, Colorado, Arizona). It is led by Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) at the University of Illinois. SCAPES project will provide a comprehensive analysis of the transformative potential of agrivoltaics. The goal is to maintain or even increase crop yield, increase the combined (food and electricity) productivity of land, and diversify and increase farmers’ profits with row crops, forage, and specialty crops across a range of environments. Objective 3: Joint Proposals None EXPERIMENT STATION: MICHIGAN Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities A variety of needs-based extension and on-farm research work related to farm energy issues have been identified and events organized/planned. For example, • MSU extension is organizing a conference “Michigan Ag Ideas to grow ” with education sessions planned on several ag-voltaic topics including: Agrivoltaics – the future of farming?, Pollinator habitat in solar energy sites, and Conservation cover in solar energy sites. • A report titled “Planning & Zoning for Solar energy Systems: A guide for Michigan local governments,” was published. • Implementation of 6th USDA-REAP Energy Audit/Renewable Energy Assessment project. • Offering no-cost farm energy audits in partnership with cost share from Michigan Utilities. • Field testing of a prototype system to mitigate the huge start-up energy draw of large electric motors and improve energy efficiency in motors with a low-cost alternative to variable frequency drives. • Consultations with industry and state entities in response to a Dept of Energy (DOE) needs identification for current and future solar workforce training. • Participation in Michigan Agricultural Energy Council (MAEC), in providing a trusted “third party” platform that brings farm organizations and utilities together to tackle energy issues and challenges facing the agricultural sector. • Charles Gould was a member of the organizing committee for the 2022 National Extension Conference on Energy Efficiency. Objective 3: Proposals A number of proposals/ preproposals were submitted during this period but unfortunately, none were funded. • Joint pre-proposal with Virginia Tech titled “Agrivoltaics in Virginia for Existing and Future Utility-scale PV: Applying, Developing, and Expanding the Adoption of New Practices “ submitted to DOE Foundational Agrivoltaic Research for Megawatt Scale (FARMS) RFP • MSU preproposal titled “System-scale Optimization of Commercial Agrivoltaic Solutions for Pasture-based Dairy Farms” to DOE Foundational Agrivoltaic Research for Megawatt Scale (FARMS) RFP • MSU proposal titled “Sustainable agricultural mobility technology for specialty crop production,” submitted to Michigan Economic Development Corporation • MSU proposal titled “Solar Energy Systems for Sustainable Fruit and Vineyard Production in Michigan,” submitted to Project GREEEN. EXPERIMENT STATION: NEW JERSEY Objective 1: Survey Report Two book chapters titled “Energy Efficiency - Greenhouse Energy Management” and “On-Farm Energy Production - Solar, Wind, Geothermal” were published as part of our committee’s efforts to report on the regional farm energy status and outlook. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program has been approached by the NJ Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) about an advisory role the program can have with regard to the state mandated Dual-Use Pilot Program (i.e., agrivoltaics). The NJBPU is looking for expert input for the design and implementation of this three-year 200 MW program (extendable to five years and up to 300 MW). Objective 3: Proposals The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program submitted a $2M proposal to the US Department of Energy FARMS program. The proposal was a joint effort in collaboration with American Farmland Trust, Delaware State University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Whether our proposal will be recommended for funding is unknown at the time of writing. The NJBPU is also soliciting a proposal from the Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program to conduct research at the Pilot Program farms because it is mandated in the regulations that University-based research be performed as part of the Pilot Program. EXPERIMENT STATION: PENNSYLVANIA Objective 1: Survey Report The volume has been published by Springer Science as an academic book. Contents consist of the following: 1. Energy Use on the Farm D. Ciolkosz, A. Go 2. Energy Efficiency - Smart Metering E. Johnstonbaugh, X. Wang 3. Energy Efficiency - Equipment Use and Installation S. Sanford, A. Go 4. Energy Efficiency - Field Operations S. Sanford, A. Go 5. Energy Efficiency - Dairy Operations S. Sanford, A. Go 6. Energy Efficiency - Livestock Housing Operations S. Sanford, A. Go 7. Energy Efficiency - Fruit and Vegetable Storage S. Sanford, A. Go 8. Energy Efficiency - Grain Drying S. Sanford, A. Go 9. Energy Efficiency - Irrigation S. Sanford, A. Go 10. Energy Efficiency - Maple Syrup S. Sanford, A. Go 11. Energy Efficiency - Greenhouses A. Both 12. On-Farm Energy Production - Solar, Wind, Geothermal A. Both 13. On-Farm Energy Production - Biomass Thermal E. Johnstonbaugh 14. On Farm Energy Production - Biogas A. Hassanein, S. Lansing, E. Keller 15. On-Farm Energy Production - Biofuels D. Ciolkosz, M. Steiman Penn State's component included overall editing of the volume and authorship or co-authorship of chapters 1, 2, 13 and 15. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities The topic of sustainable farm electrification has cropped up as a topic of potential value for investigation, and will be broached at the 2022 team meeting. Objective 3: Joint Proposals Team members participated in several project proposals: • Willow Debarking (D Ciolkosz): USDA AFRI, two proposals were submitted, teaming with SUNY ESF (Kumar, Volk). Proposed research on processing of short rotation willow. • Mushroom Energy and Carbon (D Ciolkosz): USDA NIFA. Proposed research and extension on developing carbon-neutral strategies for mushroom farming. • Biogas in the Ukraine (D Ciolkosz): CRDF. Proposed support of development of a biogas research effort at university in Ukraine. • BMPs for Solar Farm Development (S Fathel): NFWF. Proposed online course for Chesapeake Bay-targeted best management practices in solar farm development, submitted with VA Tech (Ignosh). Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives: Wood Innovation Grant (Johnstonbaugh, Ciolkosz, Musgrave): Penn State Extension continued pursuing a demonstration test of biochar addition to a municipal wastewater treatment plant. MASBio (Ciolkosz, Johnstonbaugh, Musgrave, Wurzbacher): In this AFRI CAP project, involving multiple institutions, extension, research and education efforts were launched related to biomass production on marginal lands, and biochar manufacture. Energy is a component of this effort, but not the primary focus. C-Change Grass to Gas (Ciolkosz, Fathel, Johnstonbaugh): In this AFRI CAP led by Iowa State, education, extension and research efforts were undertaken to develop scenarios for enhanced biogas production from the use of perennial grasses, grown in ecologically strategic locations on farms. National Energy Extension Summit (Ciolkosz, Johnstonbaugh, Wurzbacher): Penn State hosted the National Energy Extension Summit / National Sustainability Summit on May 15-18 2022 in State College, PA. Many NECC-2001 committee members were involved in the planning of this event. Student Research: Completed and ongoing student research projects of relevance to Farm Energy Production and Use include: - Wheat Straw Torrefaction and Conversion (B Memis, J Tripathi, D Ciolkosz) - Biomass Sorption (A Arya, J Tripathi, D Ciolkosz) - Biomass Pelleting (Y Li, K Lopez, D Ciolkosz) - Biogas from Cellulosic Feedstock (M McVey, D Ciolkosz) - Biomass pelleting of ag waste (M Asif, D Ciolkosz) Support for these projects was provided by ongoing grants, College of Agricultural Science research funds, and the Graves Extension Endowment. Farm Energy Course (Fathel): Course which focuses on biorenewable energy sources derived from farms at Penn State University. A key component of this course is a semester long energy audit project, wherein teams of students perform energy audits local farms or businesses following ASABE Standards. This is a required course for undergraduate students in the BioRenewable Systems major. EXPERIMENT STATION: MARYLAND Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities The Maryland team has been working with on-farm energy efficiency and conservation. • The Maryland team facilitated a series of hands-on training and educational workshops throughout Maryland to support a documented need for energy education in Maryland related to on-farm solar photovoltaics (PV) or agricultural solar. A total of 179 farmers and agricultural service providers participated in one of the ten educational workshops to learn about the options, opportunities and challenges associated with on-farm solar PV to support farm sustainability. Training addressed the basic principles of solar PV technology; an exploration of appropriate on-farm applications; the basic principles of electricity, PV components, and system design; and an overview of solar contracts and leasing options relevant to Maryland farmers. • The Maryland team is producing supplemental training videos, and a series of related factsheets, to support hands-on training with solar PV. A total of 17 videos have been produced in this series with 88,000 views in total. These resources explore various tips and tools for working with solar photovoltaics, including an overview on how to assess solar module output; load and site assessments; wiring and OCPDs; series and parallel configurations; battery backup; and inverter integration. The University of Maryland team has been working with farmers in implementing anaerobic digestion technology for dairy and poultry famers, as well as biochar production from poultry manure. • The Maryland team has worked with a dairy farm in Cecil County, MD to monitor their anaerobic digestion manure and food waste co-digestion system with solid separation and composting. Future extension efforts will focus on helping farmers navigate power purchase agreements and understanding opportunities with food waste co-digestion. Work funded under Maryland Department of Agriculture. • The Maryland team is evaluating the feasibility of animal waste technologies, including anaerobic digestion, gasification, pyrolysis, and will assess greenhouse gas emissions associated with these technologies, barriers to adoption, market assessments of their feasibility, and how to incorporate environmental justice in project citing, implementation, and operation. Work funded under Maryland Department of Agriculture. • The Maryland team is conducting a study using poultry litter biochar for plant production and understanding the markets and sustainability associated with biochar utilization. Specifically, the project is looking at ornamental plant production using biochar to replace phosphorus fertilizer and growing turf grass with biochar amendments. • The Maryland team is providing third-party verification for a digestion system on the Maryland Eastern Shore that is piloting a poultry litter-based, solid-state digestion systems conducted as a batch process, with post-digestion nutrient recovery. Work funded under Maryland Energy Administration. • The Maryland team is working on reducing antimicrobial resistance through integration of engineering and social science, Dr Lansing team lead a multi-million USDA grant that developed a new method for antibiotic detection in manure and determined the effect of advanced treatment technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and composting, on resistance. Work funded under USDA-NIFA. Objective 3: Proposals • None EXPERIMENT STATION: VIRGINIA Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities A variety of needs-based extension and on-farm research work related to farm energy issues have been identified, including through the following sponsored projects: • Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance: Technology Transfer for Transportable Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems, Sub-award from Chesapeake Bay Foundation. National Fish & Wildlife Foundation 11/18-12/22 • “A Better Solar “Panel” from Virginia Tech”, CALS – Virginia Tech 3/21-6/22 • “Keeping on the Sunny Side with On-Farm Solar Applications”, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, 4/1-6/23 • “Techno-Economic Analysis for On-farm Poultry Litter-to-Energy Systems”, Conservation Innovation Grant - Pennsylvania NRCS. 8/22-8/25 Objective 3: Proposals • Joint pre-proposal with Michigan State University titled “Agrivoltaics in Virginia for Existing and Future Utility-scale PV: Applying, Developing, and Expanding the Adoption of New Practices” submitted to DOE Foundational Agrivoltaic Research for Megawatt Scale (FARMS) Concept Note (not funded)

Publications

Impact Statements

EXPERIMENT STATION: Virginia Design and Siting Considerations for Transportable Water Pumping Stations for Livestock Watering Systems on Rented Pastures in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed: Beef cattle represent Virginia’s second largest agricultural commodity and approximately one-third of Virginia farmland is rented pasture. The Chesapeake Bay TMDL and Virginia’s Watershed Implementation Plan, sets forth a series of sector-specific best management practices including additional fencing to exclude livestock from streams. For some of these pastures, additional fencing may require alternative livestock watering systems. The cost to extend the electrical grid to power a small water pump may prove to be prohibitively expensive for some locations. Furthermore, the installation of capital-intensive livestock watering improvements can be problematic on rented acreage with annually renewable leases. Utility-scale Solar Project Development in Virginia: Informational Series: The Virginia Clean Economy Act of 2020 stipulates that by 2045 all electricity must be from renewable energy and targets development of 16GW for renewables and 3GW of energy storage. Currently, and into the near future, much of this energy project development is proposed to occur as USS projects. Virginia USS capacity is currently 1GW with an average USS footprint of 10.4 acres/MW. Across Virginia, many projects have been developed and many more proposed, often with mixed reactions across the communities. An informational webinar series was developed to help answer stakeholder questions. The 9-webinar series has included more than 700 registrants, including participants from landowners, state agencies, researchers, project developers from industry, utility companies, county planners/Board of Supervisors, non-governmental organizations, among many others to share information, resources, lessons learned, and emerging best practices for utility-scale solar project development in Virginia. 80% of respondents indicate that their awareness of issues regarding utility-scale PV projects in Virginia increased. Artifacts from these sessions, along with related educational resources, are now hosted on a website for asynchronous access. Additional collaborations and project proposals are underway to provide a deeper response to the issues, opportunities, challenges, and remaining knowledge gaps of utility-scale solar project development in Virginia.

Date of Annual Report: 12/23/2023

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/23/2023 - 10/24/2023
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2022 - 09/30/2023

Participants

A.J. Both, Rutgers
Andy Wetherill, Delaware State Univ
Bill Myers, Virginia Tech
Charles Gould, MSU Extension
Chuck Schwartz, Sun Agri
Dan Williams, AES
David Kay, Cornell University
David Specca, Rutgers
Deborah Meyer DeWan, Ag Policy Professional
Derek Whitelock, USDA-ARS SW Cotton Gin Research Lab
Dunbar Birnie, Rutgers
Ethan Schoolman, Rutgers
Ethan Winter, American Farmland Trust
Gabrielle Hayes, Blue Wave
Iain Ward, Solar Ag Services
Jared Buono, Cornell University
Jesse Robertson-DuBois, Blue Wave
John Ignosh, Virginia Tech
Kevin Sullivan, Rutgers
Linda Garrett, American Farmland Trust
Mary Ann Ibezisna, Virgina Tech
Mary Kering, Virginia State Univ
Michael Glos, Cornell University
Mingxin Guo, Delaware State Univ
Neil Brown, Virginia State Univ
Owen Deitcher, Lightstar Renewables LLC
Paul Funk, USDA-ARS SW Cotton Gin Research Lab
Pete Nitzsche, Rutgers
Ross Rucker, Rutgers
Sarah Beebout, USDA Ag Research Service
Vitalis Temu, Virginia State Univ
Zhenshan Chen, Virginia Tech

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Meeting Minutes NECC2001 Oct 2023.pdf

Accomplishments

Experiment Station: Connecticut Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities The Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station at University of Connecticut has supported studies on sustainable farm energy production and use. The current study focuses on the development of the GREENBOX technology for urban agriculture. Specific objectives include <ol> <li>To determine whether the GREENBOX can provide the required environmental conditions year around.</li> <li>To determine how the energy and water use as well as plant growth in the GREENBOX system in comparison with that in a greenhouse.</li> <li>To assess the financial feasibility of the GREENBOX, and</li> <li>To optimize the design and operation of the GREENBOX units in urban application.</li> </ol> Laboratory studies and analysis have been conducted in the past three (3) years at Storrs, Connecticut with protocol GREENBOXES and experimental greenhouses for growing lettuce. Results indicate that the newly proposed GREENBOX system can produce healthy lettuce crops in all four seasons with high productivity. The energy and water use are more effective compared to widely used glasshouses, and the inside environment conditions are much less variable. The benefit-cost analysis revealed that GREENBOX is financially feasible over various scenarios of different input parameters and can be used in major cities across the United States. The GREENBOX system can be used individually, or in any combination from a few to a very large number (say thousands) to meet different building configurations and economic goals. We find that the GREENBOX system is technically and financially feasible and can be used to produce fresh vegetables in urban areas with less resources, higher productivity and better quality. Currently, we are developing a computer-run model for optimization of the design and operation parameters for the application of GREENBOX technology in urban settings. Objective 3: Joint Proposals A new proposal entitled “GREENBOX horticulture: A simulation study for optimization in system design and operation” has been funded by USDA Hatch funds. Experiment Station: New Jersey Objective 1: Survey Report This objective was accomplished with the publication of the book titled: Regional Perspectives onFarm Energy, D. Ciolkosz (ed.). A.J. Both contributed two chapters titled “Energy Efficiency - Greenhouse Energy Management” and “On-Farm Energy Production - Solar, Wind, Geothermal”. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program continues to investigate funding opportunities for its work on agrivoltaics. The team is interested in partnering with university, Extension, private, and commercial entities when applying for funding opportunities. Objective 3: Proposals The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program formed a proposal team with colleagues at Delaware State University, the American Farmland Trust, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and received a $1.6M grant from the US Department of Energy FARMS program. The project team will conduct research trials and outreach activities focused on agrivoltaics in the Mid-Atlantic states. Another component of the project involves the establishment of a regional network of researchers, Extension personnel, solar developers, and farmers interested in agrivoltaics. The Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program received a $2.8M contract from the NJ Board of Public Utilities to assist with the development of a Dual-Use Solar Energy Pilot Program in NJ. This three-year 200 MW program (extendable to five years and up to 300 MW) involves an approval process for submitted agrivoltaics projects, collection and analysis of environmental, agricultural and energy production data from approved projects, and recommendations for future agrivoltaics projects in NJ. Experiment Station: Pennsylvania Objective 1: Survey Report This task was completed last year with the publication of the book “Regional Perspectives on Farm Energy”, published by Springer Science and co-authored by NECC 2001 members. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities Discussions with the NECC 2001 team have taken place over the year, utilizing the team listserv. In addition, Penn State hosted a Biorenewables Symposium in April 2022 to serve as a forum for discussing opportunities and needs on topics including Farm Energy. We have also taken part in team discussions for the C-Change Grass to Gas AFRI SAS project, where opportunities and needs for farm biogas and RNG were discussed. Specific topics of opportunity and need that have been identified include: <ul> <li>Agrivoltaics (ongoing discussions let by David Specca at Rutgers)</li> </ul> Objective 3: Joint Proposals Team members participated in several project proposals: Willow Debarking (D Ciolkosz): USDA AFRI, a proposal was submitted, teaming with SUNY ESF (Kumar, Volk). Proposed research on processing of short rotation willow. Electrified Energy Infrastructure for Future Farms (S Dey, D Ciolkosz, L He): PSU Seed Grant. A proposal was submitted to investigate potential for developing all-electric strategies for farms. Strategizing Sustainable Biochar Production and Applications for Soil Carbon Sequestration and Energy Crop Production in the Eastern U.S. (D Ciolkosz): US DOE. This proposal, led by West Virginia University and involving several institutions, focuses on the emerging biochar sector in the region. Northeast Agrivoltaics Research, Demonstration and Outreach Consortium (D Ciolkosz). USDA AFRI. This proposal, led by Rutgers University and involving many NECC 2001 members, focuses on agrivoltaics opportunities and needs. Eliciting Landowner and Public Values And Preferences Regarding Agrivoltaics: Inform Localities, Policymakers, and Solar Designers (D Ciolkosz) USDA AFRI. This proposal, led by Virginia Tech, is to study perceptions and preferences with respect to agrivoltaics in the region. Sustainable and Just Pathways to Agrivoltaics in PA (K Spangler, S Buechler, L McPhillips, T Burkenholz) PSU Seed Grant. This proposal is for investigating development pathways for agrivoltaics in Pennsylvania. Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives: MASBio (Ciolkosz, Johnstonbaugh, Musgrave, Wurzbacher): In this AFRI CAP project, involving multiple institutions, extension, research and education efforts were launched related to biomass production on marginal lands, and biochar manufacture. Energy is a component of this effort, but not the primary focus. C-Change Grass to Gas (Ciolkosz, Fathel, Johnstonbaugh): In this AFRI CAP led by Iowa State, education, extension and research efforts were undertaken to develop scenarios for enhanced biogas production from the use of perennial grasses, grown in ecologically strategic locations on farms. Renewable Energy Academy (Ciolkosz, Fathel, Brockett, Conklin, Svetz): Workshop series was developed and delivered focusing on farm energy topics on an introductory level for farmers and rural communities. Student Research: Completed and ongoing student research projects of relevance to Farm Energy Production and Use include: - Wheat Straw Torrefaction and Conversion (B Memis, J Tripathi, D Ciolkosz) - Biomass Sorption (S Razool, D Ciolkosz) - Biomass Pelleting (M Rahman, K Lopez, D Ciolkosz) - Biogas from Cellulosic Feedstock (M McVey, M Akingbasote, M Hile, D Ciolkosz) Support for these projects was provided by ongoing grants, College of Agricultural Science research funds, and the Graves Extension Endowment. Farm Energy Course (Fathel): Course which focuses on biorenewable energy sources derived from farms at Penn State University. A key component of this course is a semester long energy audit project, wherein teams of students perform energy audits local farms or businesses following ASABE Standards. This is a required course for undergraduate students in the BioRenewable Systems major. Experiment Station: Virginia Objective 1: Survey Report No accomplishments to report. Objective 2: Identify Opportunities Solar project siting and land use has emerged as a topic of need and opportunity in Virginia and elsewhere.  We worked with the NECC 2001 team to further understand this issue and develop plans for addressing the research, extension and education needs around this issue.   Objective 3: Joint Proposals <ul> <li>2024 (pending) USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture: Eliciting Landowner and Public Values and Preferences regarding Agrivoltaics in Four Appalachian States: Inform Localities, Policy Makers, and Solar Designers. Z. Chen, J. Ignosh, and R. Hall. 7/24-6/27.</li> <li>2023 (awarded) Virginia Department of Environmental Quality: Determining Impacts of Utility-Scale Solar on Stormwater Runoff and Soil and Water Quality and Providing Design Criteria. R. Stewart, W. Daniels, D. Sample, V. Temu, M. Kering, and J. Ignosh. 4/23-6/29.</li> <li>Farm Electrification</li> <li>Biogas production growth and connection to the gas grid</li> </ul>

Publications

Impact Statements

Experiment Station: Virginia - Virginia Land and Energy Navigator Assists Virginia Localities with Land-use Decisions Goerlich, D., Donovan, P., Herndon, B., and Ignosh, J. Balancing economic development and natural resource conservation is an important issue to localities, the Commonwealth of Virginia, landowners, industry, and others. This challenge presents itself in a variety of ways, with a current example being solar energy project development on agricultural and forested land. Recognizing the importance of this issue the Virginia General Assembly adopted HB894, which charged Virginia Cooperative Extension with leading an effort to develop a map or repository of prime farmland in consultation with relevant and necessary state agencies and other partners. Effective July 1, 2023, HB894 required VCE to submit an initial report on this effort to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2023. Response Virginia Cooperative Extension began the programming process by conducting interviews with local government representatives regarding current gaps in existing resources and desired outcomes. Simultaneously, VCE worked with state and federal, non-profit, and private agency partners to build a workgroup consisting of 25 individuals representing a diversity of backgrounds and interests. A subcommittee was created within the workgroup that consisted primarily of members with specialized GIS expertise. VCE established an MS Teams site to host presentations, resources, meeting agendas, and related materials. Overall, three full workgroup meetings and three subcommittee meetings took place during the timeframe from July 6, 2022 through December 5, 2022. Results The HB894 Section 3 Workgroup completed a comprehensive 51-page report and submitted it to the Governor and General Assembly on December 1 as required. Recognizing the significance of this issue to localities, the Commonwealth of Virginia, landowners, and others, however, the workgroup members endeavored to go above and beyond the initial charge by developing a web-based interactive tool and intuitive user interface as near to December 1 as practical. With a $157,349 grant secured from Dominion Energy to support initial platform development and hosting/maintenance over a five-year period, the team unveiled the Virginia Land and Energy Navigator (VaLEN) https://valen.ext.vt.edu/ . Currently in the pilot testing phase, VaLEN brings together GIS information related to prime farm and forestland, land conservation, brownfields, transmission lines, and other topics via an intuitive, user-friendly interface. The goal of VaLEN is to support and inform decision-making, not prescribe outcomes. Presentations on the HB894 Section 3 Workgroup effort were delivered to a joint House and Senate Ag and Natural Resources subcommittee retreat and the Center for Rural Virginia and Council for Rural Virginia joint board meeting. Response to VaLEN has been overwhelmingly positive with numerous stakeholder compliments regarding both the process and the outcome. VaLEN will be officially launched to the Commonwealth before the end of January 2023. Solar Project Siting: Multicriteria Decision Analysis Workshop Ignosh, J., Havranek, T., and Taylor, T. Twenty-one people participated in the Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Workshop (16 in person and 5 online) held on October 19, 2022 at Virginia Tech. Forty-eight percent of the workshop evaluations were returned either via a hardcopy or a shortened online follow-up survey instrument. Participants indicated that some of the most beneficial content from the workshop related to: gaining more familiarity with MCDA and its use, understanding new methods for stakeholder analysis, and the range of agrivoltaic planning considerations discussed. Seventy-eight percent of respondents anticipated sharing, or applying, the information learned through this workshop with others. Feedback regarding how participant knowledge of the MCDA methodology and agrivoltaic project development applications increased by 98% and 65%, respectively, and that their awareness of potential MCDA applications specifically in solar project development increased by 144% as a result of their participation in this educational event. All of the hardcopy respondents indicated that they would attend this type of workshop in the future or recommend this workshop to a friend. Additionally, 71% of respondents had identified specific actions they plan to take as a direct result of this workshop, including: developing related educational outreach materials, apply the tool to address some solar project development challenges, share this methodology within their organization for consideration of its use in their project development, incorporation of conjoint methods for preference solicitation and weighting, and share the spreadsheet with student project teams for its use in project applications.