A solar farm shaped like a panda recently began pumping electricity to the grid in Shanxi province, China.

"The aptly named Panda Power Plant in Datong, Shanxi province is putting an adorable face to renewable energy," reports Emma Abrams.
"When it's finished, the world's cutest power plant is expected to cover approximately 1500 acres and will be constructed in the image of 'China's national treasure,' aka a panda bear," adds Abrams. "By the time that construction is completed, the entire plant will produce upwards of 100 megawatts of energy."
Lacy Cooke broke the news of the "world's cutest solar farm" for Western audiences, providing a slideshow of images to illustrate the cuteness of the solar farm, as well as describing more about the partnership between Panda Green Energy and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
FULL STORY: China has built a super adorable solar farm that's shaped like a panda

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

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.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland