Photovoltaic (PV) fields play a key role in the transition to renewable energy and climate change mitigation. However, replacing natural land surfaces with dark solar panels substantially alters the surface energy balance. These changes can modify heat fluxes, turbulence, boundary-layer dynamics, and potentially local weather and climate conditions. Despite the rapid expansion of utility-scale solar farms worldwide, the magnitude and mechanisms of these atmosphere–surface feedbacks remain insufficiently understood.
• This project will investigate the atmospheric impacts of a real planned 11,000-hectare photovoltaic field in an arid environment using the high-resolution ICON numerical weather prediction model. The results will contribute to environmental impact assessment and improve our understanding of how large-scale renewable energy infrastructure interacts with the atmosphere.
• We are looking for a motivated student with an interest in meteorology, climate science, and land–atmosphere interactions. Basic experience in scientific programming, data analysis, and data visualization is required.
Interested? Please don't hesitate to contact us!
Yotam Menachem – mailto:yotam.menachemspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de
Prof. Dr. Kira Rehfeld – mailto:kira.rehfeldspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de
