Jordan Macknick

Jordan Macknick is the Lead Energy-Water-Land Analyst at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where he contributes to the Strategic Energy Analysis Center's Systems Modeling team within the Resources and Sustainability Group. He holds a Master’s in Transboundary Natural Resource Policy from Yale University and a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Environmental Studies from Hamline University.

• Education: Yale University (M.S.), Hamline University (B.S.)
• Professional Experience: IIASA (Research Associate), Yale (Research Assistant), Windustry (Community Wind Specialist Intern), EcoFacilitation Ltd. (Assistant Managing Director)

His research focuses on the intersection of energy, water, and land systems, particularly:

• Co-location of solar and agricultural activities (agrivoltaics)
• Energy services of water infrastructure
• Water management in unconventional oil/gas operations
• Systems modeling of energy-water interactions
• Renewable-powered water treatment systems

Key trends in his publications (120 total) include:

• Analysis of agrivoltaics and land use optimization
• Studies on pollinator habitats in solar facilities
• Policy-focused research on land use regulations
• Meta-analyses of energy-water-land tradeoffs

Scientific Recognition:

• NREL Distinguished Member of Research Staff (2022)

He has mentored interdisciplinary teams and collaborated with institutions worldwide, including projects in Haiti, Colorado, and Minnesota. His work integrates data from 100+ research outputs, emphasizing low-impact renewable energy strategies.