Adding new renewable energy projects to local grids can take an average of five years, slowing the process of reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
A draft plan from the Department of Energy focuses on improving interconnection processes in the nation’s electric grids as part of the Biden administration’s goal to decarbonize the power sector by 2035.
As Ethan Howland explains in Smart Cities Dive, “In the last five years, interconnection queues — generators waiting to have their proposed projects studied to see if grid upgrades are required to bring them online — have surged.” On average, it currently takes five years to complete interconnection for a new project.
The plan’s recommendations include: “Create new and expand existing fast-track interconnection options, including surplus interconnection service, generation replacement service and energy-only interconnection service” and “Investigate inter-regional transmission solutions through joint transmission planning efforts between neighboring systems,” as well as boosting effort to improve workforce capability and retention as demand for skilled staff grows in this sector.
FULL STORY: DOE issues draft plan to speed up, improve grid interconnections
Renewable Energy Going to Waste Due to Grid Bottleneck
The equivalent of 480 nuclear reactors’a worth of power generated from renewable sources is being produced but not captured in the U.S. and Europe — a number expected to grow as investment flows into the renewable energy industry.
Texas Grid Holds Up to Freezing Temperatures
Efforts made to prepare the state’s infrastructure for winter storms after 2021’s disastrous freeze are paying off.
Solar Industry Growing Fast, but is Hampered by Aging Grid
One of solar’s biggest challenges is getting the energy where it needs to go.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service