Renewable Energy
California has the Potential to Power Itself Solely by Renewables
The new paper, "A Roadmap for Repowering California for all Purposes with Wind, Water, and Sunlight," discusses the potential clean energy future for the Golden State by 2050.
Unlocking the Biogas Potential in America's Farms
Thinking about "renewable power" often bring hydroelectric, wind, and solar to mind. The informed will recognize geothermal and biomass as major renewables. Biogas, the non-fossil natural gas, is not well known because few facilities capture it.
Public Comment Sought for U.S. EPA's 'RE-Powering America's Land' Action Plan
The U.S. EPA is in the process of updating its 2008 plan to promote renewable energy on formerly contaminated land, mines, or landfill sites.
Renewables Account for 92 Percent of New Power in the United States
Although the United States built less new energy capacity than in the same time period last year, renewable energy dominated the capacity to come online so far in 2014.
Texas Breaking Wind Power Records
Texas is the largest wind power producer in the United States, but its recent capacity efforts have broken records. And there are more megawatts on the way.
China Makes Moves to Cleaner Coal
Charles C. Mann reports on the benefits and obstacles to cleaner coal and why we need to explore carbon capture and storage even as we transition to renewable energy.
Europe is Latest to Loosen Climate Commitments
As warnings from scientists about our changing planet become more dire, countries are retreating from their prior climate commitments. Once a leader, the European Union is bowing to economic pressures and loosening renewable energy targets.

Not-So-Bright Future for Utility-Scale Solar Projects
Construction and permitting for large solar facilities like those located in the desert at the border of California and Nevada is nearly non-existent. Uncertainty over expiring tax credits is only partly to blame.
India's Innovative Green City Ignores Timeless Design Lessons
Rajarhat's Rabi Rashmi Abasan (Solar Housing Complex) is being hailed as a trend-setter for India's efforts to increase its use of renewable energy. But the urban design of the new city rising on the edge of Kolkata ignores timeless lessons.
This California Jail is Off the Grid
The Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California isn’t your average prison complex. Its independent power system, or microgrid, sets it apart from its peers—and saves an estimated $100,000 a year.
Innovative Energy-Storing Solar Power Plant Debuts in Arizona
Energy storage is acknowledged by many as a missing link of renewable energy, particularly by those quick to cite the intermittency of solar and wind power. A new solar thermal plant in Arizona stores energy in the form of heat for peak hour needs.
Amid Battle for Scarce State Dollars, Costly CA Energy Program Gets Scrutinized
In case you haven't noticed, California is big into alternative energy. Just how big? $1.6 billion was spent last year and $15 billion over the last decade as education and public services fought for scraps. The spending is attracting new scrutiny.
New Rooftop Solar Laws in California Benefit Homeowners and Utilities
In the last week to sign bills, Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 327 that allows utilities to charge all ratepayers for costs incurred to the grid by rooftop solar and allows those who have it to 'run the meter backwards', known as net metering.
Clean Energy Debacle Pollutes Germany's Climate Efforts
A plan to power Germany entirely on renewable energy is Chancellor Angela Merkel's "most ambitious domestic project". But rising costs to the state, businesses and consumers are straining support for the $735 billion effort.
The Positive Energy Potential of Suburban Sprawl
What if most cars were electrics, most electricity was generated locally, and new development was required to have solar? Would this paradigm make sprawl more energy sustainable than compact growth? A new paper argues yes.
Solar's Existential Threat to America's Electricity Industry
Government incentives have long sought to boost the viability of renewable energy sources. Though it accounts for less than a quarter of 1 percent of America's power generation, utility companies say its time to stop subsidizing solar.
Study: NY State Could Be Powered Entirely by Renewables by 2030
Experts say the switch to renewables has more to do with political will and market forces than available technologies.
For California, Success as Environmental Pioneer Means Others Must Follow
Although California has long been a pioneer in protecting the environment, for its most innovative policies - from mandating renewable energy to limiting greenhouse gas emissions - to succeed, it will need other states, and countries, to follow.
Could New York be Carbon-Free by 2050?
A new report shows that New York City could be 90 percent carbon-free by 2050, "without breaking the bank," if it upgrades heating systems and transportation to renewable electricity, reports Taz Loomans.
Energy Secretary Latest to Announce His Departure
Friday brought word that Energy Secretary Steven Chu will leave the Obama administration once a replacement is in place. With his departure, each of the cabinet's energy and environmental positions remain vacant.
Pagination
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