New Energy Hubs is a proposal to focus alternative energy production around transit-oriented developments to create synergistic benefits.
The concept comes from Patrick Mazza, research director for Climate Solutions. He writes,
"Installing advanced new energy technologies while building transit-oriented developments will yield multiple efficiencies. TODs entail construction of dense neighborhoods. Compact communities are ideally served by district plant and piping systems supplying hot water and building heat. Economies of scale make district systems significantly more energy efficient that single building systems. District energy plants can also cogenerate electricity, and be powered with renewable fuels such as biomass or ground heat.
Other renewable electrical generators are also more economically installed at a district scale – It costs less to install one large solar array to serve a neighborhood than solar panels on individual buildings. District-scale cogeneration and solar arrays might serve electric vehicle charging stations as well.
When new construction is underway is the economically optimal time to install new energy networks including district energy, smart grid and vehicle charging. Infrastructure costs less when it is built in a coordinated way, doing as much as possible at once."
FULL STORY: New Energy Hubs: Transit-Oriented Development Meets District Energy
Maryland Awards $1.25M in TOD-Related Grants
The state’s DOT is funding projects that prepare sites around transit stations for future mixed-use development and housing.
Judge Rules in Favor of Massachusetts TOD Law
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DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
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San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
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Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
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Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
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JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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