#United States #Fort Collins #Pivot Energy #Colorado State Univ #Dryland Ecology

CSU's Groundbreaking Research Supported by Pivot Energy

In a significant leap forward for climate research, Colorado State University (CSU) has announced a generous $60,000 grant from Pivot Energy, a frontrunner in renewable energy, aimed at fostering innovative ecological research. This funding focuses on the Dryland Ecology and Management Lab and dedicates itself to studying dryland ecosystems in the desert Southwest, emphasizing the interaction between sustainable solar energy generation and ecosystem health.

The funding will advance pioneering research at CSU’s Dryland Ecology and Management Lab, a key section of the Warner College of Natural Resources. Here, researchers are dedicated to discovering solutions for enhancing the resilience of dryland ecosystems amid global climate changes. This initiative represents the first comprehensive study of solar projects within desert terrains, emphasizing both ecological preservation and renewable energy production.

As Carrie Havrilla, assistant professor at CSU and director of the lab, articulates, the collaboration with Pivot Energy opens doors to a multitude of exciting research opportunities focusing on the intersection of renewable energy development and ecological restoration. The lab's research aligns with Pivot’s commitment to habitat improvement at solar project sites and its three-pronged agrivoltaics approach, which combines livestock grazing, habitat enhancement, and crop production.

The collaboration aims not just to propel research but also to provide substantial educational opportunities. Students involved in this project will receive invaluable training in the management and restoration of drylands, becoming well-equipped for future workforce needs. This aspect of the grant reflects CSU’s commitment to fostering practical skills and applications among its students while contributing to long-term sustainable research.

The research is set to commence at three Pivot solar project sites located in Mesa County, Colorado, with initial fieldwork scheduled to begin in Fall 2025 and extend through 2027. Pivot Energy’s extensive experience over the last 16 years in facilitating the clean energy transition positions it as a crucial partner in this endeavor, fostering impactful decarbonization efforts for both local communities and broader ecological systems.

Pivot Energy’s Director of Operations, Angie Burke, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, noting, “We are thrilled to partner with CSU to harness its expertise and advance innovative climate solutions.” By investing in this research, Pivot aims to support effective dryland ecosystem strategies that align with its core agrivoltaic initiatives.

Apart from ecological benefits, these efforts underscore a shared belief among CSU and Pivot Energy that joint ventures can yield measurable positive impacts—not only for the environment but also for local communities and future generations.

To learn more about CSU’s Dryland Ecology and Management Lab and make contributions that can drive impactful research forward, visit CSU’s official site.

About Pivot Energy

Pivot Energy is a notable renewable energy provider that engages in the development, financing, construction, and management of solar and energy storage projects. Committed to accelerating the clean energy transition for communities and businesses alike, Pivot Energy operates with a B-Corporation certification, which reflects its adherence to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Discover more at Pivot Energy.

About Colorado State University

CSU, established in 1870 as Colorado's land-grant institution, is a public research university serving over 33,000 students. The university prides itself on providing world-class education, research, and innovative programs across various fields, including veterinary medicine and atmospheric sciences, thereby contributing significantly to the global academic landscape.