Although the United States built less new energy capacity than in the same time period last year, renewable energy dominated the capacity to come online so far in 2014.
According to the Office of Energy Projects at the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission “a full 92 percent of all new capacity added in the United States so far this year came in the form of renewable energy.” In all, renewables totaled all but 91 megawatts of the country’s 1,150 megawatts of new power capacity.
Stephen J. Smith reports on the success of renewables so far in 2014 for Next City, providing a break down of the new capacity: “Solar took home the crown with half of the new capacity, while wind picked up the majority of the rest, with 37 percent of the added capacity. The only major non-renewable source to add capacity was natural gas, which added a measly 90 megawatts of generation capacity.”
New York and California were the states that added the two largest renewable energy projects, but don’t forget that Texas has been busy this month breaking records for wind power generation.
FULL STORY: 92 Percent of New U.S. Power Plant Capacity This Year Came from Renewables
Renewable Energy Powers Entire State of California—for a Few Minutes
Last Saturday afternoon, thanks to a combination of high production and reduced consumption, California’s power needs were met almost entirely by renewable energy sources.
Report: Most U.S. Coal Plants Uncompetitive with Renewables
The report heralds increased shuttering of coal-burning powered plants due to cheaper alternatives. Almost three-quarters of coal-burning power plants today are more costly to operate than renewable facilities. In six years, it jumps to 86 percent.
California’s Shift to Renewables: Successes and Challenges
The state aims to run on 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.
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
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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.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
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 Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research