With little investment from venture capitalists, cleantech startups are relying increasingly on traditional energy corporations for financial support.
Eager to avoid environmental problems, improve their public image, comply with regulations and increase production, oil and natural gas companies have begun investing in next-generation technologies, such as waste water treatment solutions.
With Obama's "all of the above" energy policy, fossil fuels are here to stay, writes Ucilia Wang adding that energy companies are investing in renewables as a defense against sudden policy change.
"The growth of the renewable electricity sector will be tied to natural gas," explains Wang. "Solar and wind generation can't produce power around the clock, and utilities will have to match clean power with 24/7 energy like natural gas."
According to Wang, for now, fossil fuels and renewables exist in symbiosis, with oil and natural gas corporations controlling the vast majority of transportation and electricity generation.
FULL STORY: Where the money is in cleantech: oil and gas
Mapping Groundwater Risks from Orphan Wells Across U.S. Aquifers
A new USGS study reveals that more than half of the nation’s documented orphan wells lie within aquifers supplying the vast majority of U.S. groundwater, posing widespread risks of contamination from aging, unplugged infrastructure.
Toyota’s Hybrid Popularity Outpaces Production Worldwide
Soaring global demand for Toyota's hybrid vehicles is straining the automaker’s supply chain, leading to widespread delays as component shortages and limited production capacity challenge its ability to keep up.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.
Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.
Quantifying Social Infrastructure
New developments have clear rules for ensuring surrounding roads, water, and sewers can handle new users. Why not do the same for community amenities?
Dallas Code Reform Makes Way for Missing Middle Housing
The Dallas City Council voted to change the city’s building code to allow up to eight residential units in three-story buildings.
Mahjong Game Highlights Displacement of Seniors in NYC’s Chinatown
‘Aging Out of Place’ explores the mechanisms that displace vulnerable seniors, and how the community can help preserve key resources and institutions.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions