The state aims to run on 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.

This year, California operated on 100 percent renewable energy for 100 days, marking a record for the state that included no blackouts or emergency power reductions, reports Alejandro Lazo for CalMatters. “That progress is largely due to the substantial public and private investments in renewable energy — particularly batteries storing solar power to use when the sun isn’t shining, according to energy experts.”
But more challenges lie ahead for the Golden State: a state law calls for 100 percent renewable energy by 2045, but natural gas remains the state’s biggest single source of energy. Meanwhile, unpredictable weather events can strain the grid and damage power infrastructure, and the growth of energy-guzzling data centers is drawing more of the state’s power supply.
The state has been able to avoid blackouts in part due to efforts to increase battery capacity. California has over 10,000 megawatts of battery capacity — the largest supply outside of China. According to Elliot Mainzer, chief executive of the California Independent System Operator, batteries “were a major difference-maker” in last month’s heat wave, which threatened to overload the grid.
FULL STORY: California hits milestones toward 100% clean energy — but has a long way to go

What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.

‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.

The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.

U.S. Miles Driven Rose by 1 Percent in 2024
Americans drove a total of 3.279 trillion miles in 2024, but per capita VMT stayed the same.

Seattle Recorded Zero Bike Deaths in 2024, per Early Data
The city halved the number of pedestrian deaths compared to 2021.

Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
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.
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