NEWS & UPDATES.

Welcome to our blog, where we share key developments in renewable energy along with insights, updates, and stories from our work at the intersection of research, design, and real-world impact. Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, student, or community partner, we hope these posts keep you informed, spark conversation, and deepen your understanding of the evolving landscape of clean energy and climate solutions.

All Posts

Utility Thermal Energy Networks in the U.S.

The Clinic has officially published its new report, Utility Thermal Energy Networks in the U.S. , prepared by Farrah Ye and Dr. Jungwoo Chun for the DUSP Center for Renewable Energy and Climate Justice. This report examines the growing role of utility-led thermal energy networks (UTENs) as a strategy for decarbonizing building heating and cooling. It provides a comprehensive overview of enabling legislation across states, analyzes trends in pilot programs, and explores how po

Mar 301 min read

Challenges that get Grid Projects Stuck

Despite the urgent need for infrastructure to support clean energy, long-distance electric transmission projects have often been stalled due to a combination of political, legal, and community opposition. How Grid Projects Get Stuck" identifies key challenges such as inadequate community engagement, land rights disputes, uneven distribution of benefits, and resistance from incumbent energy firms. Through four case studies of transmission projects across the U.S., the report h

Sep 20, 20241 min read

Transmission Buildout with Purpose: Environmental Justice Principles for Equitable Growth

[ READ MORE HERE ] Summary In December 2022, a coalition of nine environmental justice and conservation organizations sent a letter to President Biden outlining a set of principles to accelerate the buildout of electricity transmission infrastructure. The groups argue that at least a doubling or tripling of current transmission buildout rates is needed to achieve the country's climate goals and deliver on the historic investments in renewable energy expansion made through the

Oct 25, 20232 min read

Bipartisan Policy Center: Empowering Communities while Streamlining Clean Infrastructure Permitting

Original Authors: Xan Fishman, John Jacobs, Owen Minott, Meron Tesfaye, and Andy Winkler Summary The Bipartisan Policy Center report explores options for reforming public engagement and increasing efficiency in the clean energy infrastructure permitting process. The report summarizes key takeaways from an April 2023 private workshop that brought together experts to discuss specific policy proposals. The goal was to identify areas of bipartisan interest rather than develop con

Oct 23, 20232 min read