Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability’s Post

As we close out 2024, Scott Laeser's recent piece on rural America and clean energy crystallizes what will define renewable deployment in 2025: success won't be determined in boardrooms, but in small-town halls and across kitchen tables in rural communities. Rural Climate Partnership's research reveals something powerful – it's not just about countering misinformation, but filling an information vacuum with real, local impact. When communities learn that one acre of solar can power 80 homes, the conversation shifts from abstract fears to tangible benefits. As we enter 2025, our clean energy future won't be limited by technology but by our ability to build genuine partnerships with rural America.

The latest article by DNV's Nunzio Peleggi for the World Economic Forum highlights a three-step plan to overcome barriers and accelerate renewable energy development. Based on examples from EU countries, the article highlights best practices for centralized permitting, community engagement, public transparency, and early local involvement. By applying these practices in the polarized environment of the United States, we can unlock new opportunities for CO2 reduction and ensure broader community benefits, making the journey towards sustainable future easier and faster. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dKY729Du #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #EnergyEquity #CleanEnergy #CommunityEngagement #ClimateAction

One of the reasons we developed Generations for Generations was to address the challenges that major renewables projects have with community acceptance. In this blog https://lnkd.in/g4GABiXp, Christy Goldfuss of the US-based Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Michelle Moore of Groundswell, Inc. address the challenges of community engagement and how when local opposition blocks a renewable project only 13 per cent ever reach completion. 'Generation for Generations’ is engineered to enhance stakeholder and community engagement strategies by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies, tools, and resources. In a landscape where public understanding of renewable projects and technologies is limited, and projects are often situated in scenic areas, countering misinformation and fostering engagement is crucial. Learn more about how we can move the needle on the 13 per cent at https://lnkd.in/gA6WSSMq

The Western Solar Plan is set to transform solar energy development in Wyoming and other western states! 🌞 With 31.7 million acres of federal land opening up for solar projects, including 3.8 million acres in Wyoming, this initiative not only addresses climate change but also aims to boost local economies and create jobs. While the plan has received positive feedback for its potential economic benefits, it also raises important questions about environmental conservation. Balancing renewable energy growth with ecological protection will be key as we move forward into a cleaner energy future! 🌱 #SolarEnergy #RenewableResources #Wyoming https://lnkd.in/exHYgnms #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyInnovation

With debate continuing about the use of land for large scale solar projects, it's worth considering that utilising just 2.2% of total available land for solar and onshore wind projects, Europe could meet net-zero targets by 2040 Connection and collaboration would be needed to safeguard and plan appropriately. https://lnkd.in/gsNB9WuE *research by the European Joint Research Committee (JRC)

Samantha Tse, how exciting it must be to work on the Solar For All initiative -- part of New Jersey’s nation-leading Community Solar Energy Program -- in helping to facilitate and promote the construction and availability of solar energy in the state. (Glad your white sneaker and the top of your hardhat made it into the picture in the article at least. 🙂) ***** The transition to sustainable energy sources is crucial to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to decarbonization, this work will also help promote energy equity (UNSDG Goal 7: https://lnkd.in/gFRF_gnT) and environmental justice. Excerpt from the article: "The Inflation Reduction Act was signed by President Biden in 2022. The law’s Solar For All program makes solar energy more accessible to families – including those who can’t install panels on their own homes...This makes clean energy affordable and accessible… The initiative will also support grid improvements, job training, and significant reductions in greenhouse gas pollution." #Solar #CleanEnergy #SolarForAll #UNSDG #EnergyEquity #CleanEnergy #Sustainability

Wyoming's Solar 🐑 Ranch: A Green Energy Frontier 💡🌱 In central Wyoming, a pioneering project aims to transform a vast sheep ranch into a 499-megawatt solar farm. Led by BrightNight and Cordelio Power, this initiative blends renewable energy with traditional sheep grazing, symbolizing a new era in sustainable electricity. ⚡🍃 🌲🌲🌲 Despite local enthusiasm for economic growth, concerns linger about potential environmental impacts. Yet, this venture showcases the transformative power of renewable energy for a cleaner, greener future. By integrating solar panels with existing land use, such as sheep ranching, we can maximize both energy production and land productivity while minimizing environmental disruption. 🔌 As the world embraces cleaner energy solutions, projects like the Wyoming Solar Sheep Ranch highlight the innovative approaches needed to build a sustainable future. 🐑☀️ #SolarSheepRanch #RenewableRevolution #GreenEnergyWyoming #SustainablePower #SolarInnovation #SheepAndSolar #CleanEnergyFuture #WyomingSolarFarm #EnvironmentalSustainability #RenewableEnergyIntegration #KeystoneCRE #KeystoneCres #KeystoneCommercialRealEstate

Calling all municipalities, sustainability advocates, and policymakers! 📣 Are you looking for a way toward a brighter, more sustainable future for your community? Join our upcoming webinar on 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐, 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟏 𝐀𝐌 to learn how local governments can advance solar energy in their communities. Our Director of Commercial Origination, Matt Vanderbrook, will discuss three approaches: 𝟏. 𝐆𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲: Discover the financial incentives available to municipalities, Climate Smart Communities, and Clean Energy Communities that make solar ownership more affordable! 𝟐. 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Learn how to craft solar policies that encourage the development of high-quality installations and streamline the permitting process for vetted, industry-leading partners. 𝟑. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Equip your community with the knowledge they need to embrace solar energy. 𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐩𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 (𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰)! 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞! ☀️ https://hubs.li/Q02Srl9B0

Washington state’s least-conflict solar siting project—launched in fall 2022—and its resulting solar siting analysis—published in 2023—are critical milestones for Audubon’s clean energy efforts in the state. “Climate change poses a severe threat to birds in Eastern Washington, but the scale of proposed solar facilities could impact the state’s remaining sagebrush habitat,” warns Trina Bayard, director of bird conservation for Audubon Washington. “That's why we've been advocating for smart siting and permitting practices and using research to make sure that clean energy development doesn’t come at the expense of sagebrush birds and ecosystem health.” Ahead of #SolarAppreciationDay this Friday, learn how Audubon Washington is working to make sure solar and other renewable energy projects are responsibly sited to help fight climate change while still protecting sagebrush birds and the habitat they rely on.