The development proposes a from-scratch sustainable community built on brand new land at the edge of a reservoir.

In the tradition of built-from-scratch ‘cities,’ a new development in Spain purports to be Europe’s first foray into the literal construction of new land on the edge of a reservoir, reports Elissaveta M. Brandon in Fast Company.
Elysium City, as it is called, is billed as Europe’s first circular city to be built from the ground up, following a masterplan by global architecture firm Gensler. It will span 2,900 acres (about 4.5 square miles) and is expected to be completed in 20 years, with the first phase opening in about 5.
The article notes the similarities to Saudi Arabi’s Neom. “Both are described as sustainable havens with solar farms, a rail network, and electric vehicles.” However, Brandon explains that Elysium could avoid some of the pitfalls of Neom. For one, “It promises to work with nature, not against it.”
Originally conceived as a glittering luxury gambling haven—“Eurovegas”—the project was reimagined after the Covid-19 pandemic as a solar-powered, all-electric, sustainable community. But “construction is set to begin on the most economically profitable district of them all—entertainment—because [developer Francisco Nuchera] faced pressured from the local government to create jobs.” This means “the city will most likely look like Eurovegas before it looks like Elysium.”
FULL STORY: Spain is building a city from scratch. Can it avoid the mistakes of Saudi Arabia’s line-shaped metropolis?

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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.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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