With a diameter longer than two football fields, a new wind turbine design promises to revolutionize the wind energy industry.
General Electric is testing a massive new offshore wind turbine with the potential to power a town of 12,000 homes, according to Stanley Reed of the New York Times. The machine has a turning diameter of over 200 yards and, in its final design, will be taller than any building in mainland Europe.
Offshore wind technology promises clean, efficient energy production and has grown rapidly in the past two decades as major energy companies look to diversify their offerings. Turbine manufacturers like GE and Siemens Gamesa have been racing to produce bigger and bigger turbines to meet rising demand and get more energy out of each installation. The launch of the outsized GM prototype, which can produce up to 13 megawatts, has jolted the industry, changing the calculations of manufacturers and wind farm developers. Installed in the ocean, the turbines can capture more reliable breezes than on land and will have to contend with fewer challenges from neighboring landowners.
The key to the new turbine's success is the material: a light, strong, and flexible combination of carbon fiber and glass fiber invented by Danish blade maker LM Wind Power, a GE subsidiary. Now that the prototype is operational, GE must figure out how to scale up the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of the turbines in the marine environment.
Bringing Community Voices Into Renewable Energy Planning
The MIT Renewable Energy Clinic helps coastal communities navigate the complexities of offshore wind development through neutral, inclusive engagement that surfaces local concerns and supports fair decision-making.
New York Offshore Wind Farm Offers Hope for Nascent Industry
The first commercial-scale offshore wind installation in the United States is powering roughly 70,000 homes in Long Island, New York.
US Offshore Wind Industry Gains Momentum
Federal support for offshore wind projects is helping the industry grow, with nine projects approved so far this year.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie