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David Bernell, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Oregon State University, brings extensive expertise in energy policy, international relations, and the geopolitics of energy, making him a critical asset for advancing the agrivoltaic project in Nigeria. His research and professional experience uniquely position him to address the complex intersection of energy, agriculture, and sustainability, which is at the heart of the initiative.
Professor Bernell’s knowledge of decentralized energy systems, including microgrids and renewable energy transitions, provides valuable insights for developing scalable and resilient agrivoltaic models tailored to rural Nigerian communities. His focus on localized energy solutions aligns closely with the project’s goals of improving energy equity and agricultural productivity.
With a strong background in policy development, including roles in the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Office of Management and Budget, Bernell has firsthand experience crafting and implementing strategies that encourage public-private collaboration. This expertise is crucial for designing frameworks to support the integration of solar energy into agricultural systems in Nigeria.
Additionally, his deep understanding of international political economy and energy security, as outlined in his book The Energy Security Dilemma: U.S. Policy and Practice, provides a foundation for navigating global partnerships, securing funding, and aligning with international sustainability objectives. His interdisciplinary approach, combining political science, energy policy, and sustainability, ensures that he can holistically address the technical, social, and political dimensions of the project.
Professor Bernell’s expertise makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide the agrivoltaics project in achieving its mission of enhancing energy access and boosting agricultural productivity in a sustainable and impactful way
