Cornell University News
A recent article from Cornell University highlights groundbreaking research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences exploring the potential of transitioning U.S. corn-ethanol acreage to utility-scale solar energy production.
The study finds that converting just 3.2% of current corn-ethanol farmland could increase solar power’s share of national energy generation from 3.9% to 13%—a shift that aligns with growing bipartisan interest in energy independence, rural economic resilience, and innovative land use.
SCAPES team member Matt Sturchio, who contributed to the research, underscores its relevance to American agriculture:
“It could be a way for farmers to diversify their land uses and to stay on their land when crops aren’t as successful,” Sturchio said. “I think there’s tremendous opportunity.”
This work reflects the SCAPES mission to support rural communities in navigating the clean energy transition, and reinforces the role of agrivoltaics—combining agriculture and solar—as a scalable, sustainable solution. The study also notes additional ecological benefits when solar installations are designed to support biodiversity and soil health.
As energy demand grows and the agricultural sector adapts to changing economic and climate pressures, research like this helps illuminate practical, forward-looking strategies rooted in science and community.