In a first for renewable energy in the United Kingdom, Solar Power accounted for more electricity than what was produced in Coal plants
In the six months between April and September, U.K. solar panels produced 10 percent more power than the countries coal burning plants, according to a report from the Carbon Brief. Ian Johnston of The Independent reports, "The figures represent a dramatic turnaround in the UK’s electricity supplies."
The story goes on to explain that coal is likely to overtake solar again as the days shrink in the winter months, and that the solar industry faces challenges in the form of government cuts, and inconsistent energy policy.
At the same time "solar capacity nearly doubled in 2015." There will be a cost to maintaining that infrastructure, but the number of people who are now financially tied to this industry through their jobs, innovations in energy storage, the 750,000 U.K. homes with solar panels on their roofs and the growth of solar worldwide suggest that this trend can be slowed but not stopped.
FULL STORY: Solar panels surpass coal-fired electricity in previously ‘unthinkable’ feat
Making Solar Energy Land Use More Efficient
How an ‘ecovoltaic’ approach can balance energy production with conservation of sensitive land.
New Solar Capacity Outpaces New Fossil Fuels in the US
Solar energy still makes up just 5 percent of the nation’s energy mix, but could grow faster in coming years.
Federal Plan Identifies Millions of Acres for Solar Production
The proposal targets areas near transmission lines in 11 western and southwestern states.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
How Transit Architecture Impacts Real and Perceived Safety
More than a third of Americans believe major transit systems are too unsafe to ride. The built environment can change that.
New York Passes Housing Package Focused on New Development and Adaptive Reuse
The FY 2025 budget includes a new tax incentive, funding for affordable housing on state land, and support for adaptive reuse and ADUs.
LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan
The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
