The Davis College is set to lead research in renewable energy and the environment thanks to a gift from solar energy company MN8. (WVU Davis College Photo)
A new collaboration between the
West Virginia University
Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
and
MN8
Energy, an independent renewable energy company, supports student success in research
endeavors focused on renewable energy and the environment.
The MN8 Energy Agrivoltaics Research Partnership Fund, created from the company’s $300,000 donation, enhances research in multiple areas, including alternative energy sources, soil health, vegetative growth and sustainable land management.
Jason Hubbart, associate dean for research with the WVU Division of Land-Grant Engagement, noted this is a one-of-a-kind partnership to learn more about maximizing environmental benefits at solar power sites.
“MN8 is at the cutting edge of the renewable energy industry and technology,” Hubbart said. “WVU understands that we need to develop future professionals who can work in that industry and help to develop new technologies to collect the sun’s energy for electricity.”
MN8 wants to spark progress in applying agrivoltaics, which pairs solar energy production with agriculture on the same land to sustainably power industry, universities, utilities and everything in between. Another driving force behind MN8’s donation is a mission to develop the most effective landscaping solutions for ecological sustainability and visual screening in agrivoltaics.
“At MN8 Energy, we’re committed to pioneering innovative approaches that maximize both renewable energy production and land stewardship,” Tim Seck, senior vice president and head of project development at MN8 Energy, said. “Our partnership with WVU’s Davis College represents a significant investment in the future of agrivoltaics, where we can develop best practices that benefit agricultural productivity, ecological health and clean energy generation simultaneously. We’re excited to support the next generation of professionals who will lead the renewable energy industry forward with sustainable solutions.”
WVU is an appealing teammate for MN8. The University is the only R1 research institution in West Virginia and one of just 187 colleges and universities nationwide to earn the prestigious classification. The Davis College is enticing not only for its strong academics and cutting-edge research but also for its programs that work with 13 farms and forests across West Virginia.
“We have a natural tendency toward good stewardship in West Virginia,” Hubbart said. “We have a way to help advance the science, to help advance the management, to help advance education of tomorrow’s professionals, and also get the word out to our constituents.”
Both WVU and MN8 share a goal to strengthen the economy and promote well-being in West Virginia and Appalachia. MN8 is committed to advancing the future of clean energy by developing thoughtful solutions, active collaboration and enduring partnerships.
“We look forward to playing a role as the Mountain State continues its legacy as an energy industry leader,” said Erik Duncan, senior manager of east project development at MN8 Energy. “By investing in local research that combines agricultural priorities with renewable innovation, we’re supporting additional pathways for West Virginia to lead in the energy economy while preserving the natural landscapes and resources that make this state so outstanding.”
Along with energy production and conservation, the gift from MN8 supports agricultural research. Students will study renewable energy systems to learn the best ways to deploy large systems of panels in a way that can enhance the environment.
“You have to be willing to move forward in unknown directions just to see if you might land on something that is the next big thing,” Hubbart said. “Without MN8’s investments, we might be missing world-class opportunities for technological and environmental advancement. I’m overjoyed that MN8 is taking this leap of faith to work with us. We will deliver what they are looking for and more.”
MN8’s gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sunshine Wiles
Communications Specialist, WVU Foundation
304-284-4018; swiles@wvuf.org
OR
Mary Green
MN8
304-932-7673; mgreen@magc.info