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.
Read the 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
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Study: States approved 90% of renewable energy projects between 2018 and 2024
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
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Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Satanic Place Names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority