Solar Mining, UVA's Urban Strategies UD 8164 Seminar led by Prof. Mona El Khafif focuses on solar energy infrastructure in Albemarle County emphasizing its pivotal role in reducing global carbon footprints and promoting sustainable energy solutions. In collaboration with Hexagon Energy and the Natural History Committee, the seminar engages in a comprehensive planning process aimed at maximizing the environmental and social benefits of solar developments. The seminar's primary goal is to support Albemarle County's ambitious climate action plan, which targets a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2008 levels by 2030, with the aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Recently, the county approved special use permits for four utility-scale solar projects: Woodridge Solar, Ivy Landfill Solar, Midway Solar, and Rivanna Solar. The collaborative effort should involve stakeholders from various sectors, including governmental bodies, environmental organizations, and community representatives. Together, they could participate in a deliberative process to ensure that solar sites are not merely industrial spaces but also serve as multifunctional environments that enhance local landscapes and biodiversity.

Acknowledging the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, the seminar advocates for innovative approaches in site selection and design. It highlights the potential of suitable underutilized areas such as large parking lots, rooftops, and grey field sites (e.g., former industrial areas) as suitable locations for solar installations. By reimagining these spaces as dual-purpose assets, the seminar seeks to integrate energy production with community amenities, fostering sustainable urban development practices.

Designers play a crucial role in this transition, as emphasized by professional organizations like the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). They are instrumental in shaping solar farms that not only generate clean energy but also contribute positively to social infrastructure and ecological resilience. In Albemarle County, the seminar conducts practical design research to demonstrate how innovative solar projects can align with these principles, offering real-world solutions that balance energy needs with environmental stewardship.

By fostering collaboration and innovation, Professor Mona El Khafif's seminar aims to influence policy frameworks and design standards that optimize the benefits of solar energy deployment. It seeks to empower local communities to embrace renewable energy solutions that enhance quality of life while addressing global climate challenges. Through these efforts, the seminar contributes to a sustainable energy future where solar infrastructure serves as a catalyst for resilient and inclusive urban development models.