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
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
California Leads in Solar Rooftops
A combination of state and local incentives and building code mandates has helped California far outpace other states in residential rooftop solar permits.
Study: Midwest Property Values Unaffected by Nearby Solar Farms
Despite concerns that solar projects could lower property values, new research finds they actually rose slightly in areas near utility-scale solar installations.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street
If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.
Parklet Symposium Highlights the Success of Shared Spaces
Parklets got a boost during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the concept was translated to outdoor dining programs that offered restaurants a lifeline during the shutdown.
Federal Homelessness Agency Places Entire Staff on Leave
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.
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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