AES–Penn Climate Renewable Energy Research Program
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General Information
Program Description
As part of Penn’s commitment to a carbon-neutral campus by 2042, the University has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with AES to develop solar arrays expected to generate enough energy to meet approximately 70% of Penn’s and the health system’s electricity needs. Through this partnership, AES is supporting related educational and research efforts at Penn through a grant program administered by the Vice Provost for Climate (Penn Climate).
The AES solar project—located on approximately 1,600 acres in Fulton and Franklin counties in central Pennsylvania—represents the largest solar development in the Commonwealth. In addition to advancing Penn’s decarbonization goals, the project provides a unique opportunity for field- and data-based inquiry that may inform renewable energy deployment, operations, and policy more broadly.
The PPA Renewable Energy Research Program supports education, training, and research focused on the technical, operational, environmental, and economic dimensions of renewable energy and energy storage. Funded projects may relate directly to the AES solar project or address renewable energy education and training more broadly.
Eligibility
- Institution: Applicants must be affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania at the time of application and for the duration of the project period.
- Appointment: Eligible applicants include standing Penn faculty, postdoctoral researchers/fellows, and students (undergraduate or graduate).
- Project Sponsorship: Penn faculty may request support to fund a student-led research, education, or training project. Students may request support for their own capstone, individualized project, thesis research, or a summer internship/fellowship experience.
- Program Alignment: Proposed projects must support education, training, and/or research related to the technical, operational, environmental, or economic aspects of renewable energy and energy storage, including projects directly related to the AES solar project or related efforts more broadly.
- For any sponsored research projects, the applicant must be eligible to serve as Principal Investigator for the project, unless otherwise noted in the LSO. Please see Penn’s PI Eligibility requirements to ensure you are eligible.
Award Information
- A total award of up to $15,000 per project.
- Requests for smaller amounts (e.g., to support a summer research, education, or training project) are welcome.
Limited Submission Opportunities Protocol
What is a Limited Submission Opportunity? When a funding agency or foundation limits the number of applications Penn can submit, the OVPR manages a two-part internal review process to select the proposal that advances to the funder.
What is the Review Process for Limited Submissions? The selection process begins at the school level, where candidates are vetted to choose a finalist for the OVPR round. Applicants must follow their home school’s deadlines and submission instructions. A committee of reviewers then recommends candidates to the Senior Vice Provost, who selects the final nominee.
Where do I find out about limited submission opportunities on the OVPR website? The newly designed website lists LSOs. Use the filters on the left to refine your search. Opportunities are listed in summary form. Click on the title of an opportunity to see the full details.
How do I apply? When the full detail page for the opportunity is open, click the “APPLY HERE” button at the bottom right of the screen. This starts your application process using InfoReady. Log in with your PennKey credentials. After you submit your application, InfoReady processes it for the first round of review at your school. If selected as the Penn nominee, you will be notified directly and will begin the submission process to the funder with the Office of Research Services and PennERA.