{"id":593,"date":"2025-04-22T19:53:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T19:53:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/?p=593"},"modified":"2025-04-22T19:53:10","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T19:53:10","slug":"five-innovative-renewable-energy-projects-that-promise-a-more-sustainable-future-state-of-the-planet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/?p=593","title":{"rendered":"Five Innovative Renewable Energy Projects That Promise a More Sustainable Future \u2013 State of the Planet"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left intro\">The renewable energy industry has experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade, driven by technological innovation, falling costs, public and private investment and international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n<p>Worldwide <a href=\"https:\/\/about.bnef.com\/blog\/global-investment-in-the-energy-transition-exceeded-2-trillion-for-the-first-time-in-2024-according-to-bloombergnef-report\/\">investment in the low-carbon energy transition topped $2 trillion in 2024<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/energy-system\/renewables\">renewable energy now accounts for 30% of global electricity generation<\/a>. But nations aren\u2019t investing in renewables just because they\u2019re good for the planet: developing renewable energy capacity can enhance energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and create resilient economies.<\/p>\n<p>Take a virtual tour of five remarkable renewable energy projects around the world, each showcasing innovative technology, ambitious scale and a commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Map Usage<\/strong>: Pan and zoom enabled; control + click and drag to adjust bearing and pitch. Terrain may distort built environment; use check boxes to toggle terrain and overhead views.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-sotp-dots-only\"\/>\n<div id=\"renewable-energy-projects\" class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div id=\"ouarzazate\" class=\"wp-block-group project has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group info has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Noor Ouarzazate Solar Power Station<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sahara Desert, Morocco<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Capacity: 580 MW<\/h2>\n<p>Spanning 7,400 acres of the Sahara Desert in Morocco, the Noor Solar Power Station near the city of Ouarzazate is one of the largest and most innovative solar power facilities in the world.<\/p>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-small wp-lightbox-container\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Noor-Solar-Power-Station-rendering-325x183.avif 325w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Noor-Solar-Power-Station-rendering-650x366.avif 650w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Noor-Solar-Power-Station-rendering-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Noor-Solar-Power-Station-rendering.avif 1195w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 714px) calc(50vw - calc(clamp(1.5rem, 5vw, 2rem) * 2)), 325px\" type=\"image\/avif\"\/><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"325\" height=\"183\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Noor-Solar-Power-Station-rendering-325x183.png\" alt=\"overhead view of circular array of solar reflectors and illuminated central tower in desert.\" class=\"wp-image-120164\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Noor-Solar-Power-Station-rendering-325x183.png 325w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Noor-Solar-Power-Station-rendering-650x366.png 650w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Noor-Solar-Power-Station-rendering-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Noor-Solar-Power-Station-rendering.png 1195w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 714px) calc(50vw - calc(clamp(1.5rem, 5vw, 2rem) * 2)), 325px\"\/><\/picture><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A rendering of the Noor solar reflectors and central tower. Wikimedia\/MohssinDr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Noor complex utilizes sophisticated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/eere\/solar\/concentrating-solar-thermal-power-basics\">concentrated solar power<\/a> (CSP) technology to generate electricity. CSP works by using mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a central receiver, where the intense heat is used to generate steam that drives a turbine\u2014similar to traditional thermal power plants. Unlike photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, CSP systems generate thermal energy, which can be stored in materials like molten salt for use after sunset, enabling dispatchable, on-demand electricity. This ability to store energy gives CSP a major advantage over conventional solar PV in terms of grid stability and load balancing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMorocco, like many emerging economies, is considered high-risk by credit-rating agencies and private institutional investors, making it challenging for even strong, viable development projects to secure private-sector funding,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/ccsi.columbia.edu\/directory\/lisa-sachs\">Lisa Sachs<\/a>, director of Columbia\u2019s new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.climate.columbia.edu\/ms-climate-finance\">MS in Climate Finance<\/a> program. The Noor complex overcame these barriers by getting financed through a combination of debt and equity provided by international financial institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, adds Sachs. \u201cThis highlights the critical role that development finance plays in enabling clean energy investments in low- and lower-middle-income countries.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However, if long-term growth in renewable energy capacity across Africa and other  regions is to be sustainable, it can\u2019t rely on\u00a0development finance alone, says Sachs. \u201cWe also need to address the structural biases and systemic barriers that prevent private investment from flowing into these markets. Ensuring that emerging economies can access capital on terms comparable to developed countries is essential to achieving global climate and energy targets and fostering equitable and sustainable economic development.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Noor facility generates power for more than 1.1 million Moroccans and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately <a href=\"https:\/\/ppp.worldbank.org\/public-private-partnership\/library\/morocco-noor-ouarzazate-concentrated-solar-power-complex\">690,000 tons of CO<sub>2<\/sub> equivalent per year<\/a>. It is a landmark example of sustainable development in Africa and other regions facing similar energy and environmental challenges.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/reel\/video\/p0fmxtpv\/inside-the-world-s-biggest-mirror-solar-plant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Inside the world\u2019s biggest \u2018mirror\u2019 solar plant<\/a><\/strong> (BBC)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"three-gorges-dam\" class=\"wp-block-group project has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group info has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Three Gorges Dam<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sandouping, Yiling District, Hubei, China<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Capacity: 22.5 GW<\/h2>\n<p>Spanning the mighty Yangtze River, China\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Three_Gorges_Dam\">Three Gorges Dam<\/a> is the world\u2019s largest power plant by installed capacity. It exemplifies both renewable energy\u2019s potential at massive scales and the complexities inherent in significant environmental engineering projects. At approximately 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) in length and 180 meters (590 feet) high, the dam creates an immense reservoir, dramatically altering the Yangtze\u2019s landscape. The dam\u2019s 32 turbines generate enough electricity to power millions of homes, reducing China\u2019s dependence on coal-fired energy production and drastically lowering associated greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-small wp-lightbox-container\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Three-Gorges-Dam-2009-325x202.avif 325w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Three-Gorges-Dam-2009-650x404.avif 650w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Three-Gorges-Dam-2009-768x477.avif 768w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Three-Gorges-Dam-2009-1300x807.avif 1300w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Three-Gorges-Dam-2009-scaled.avif 2400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 714px) calc(50vw - calc(clamp(1.5rem, 5vw, 2rem) * 2)), 325px\" type=\"image\/avif\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"325\" height=\"202\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Three-Gorges-Dam-2009-325x202.jpg\" alt=\"View or large concreted dam across river with mountains in background.\" class=\"wp-image-120165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Three-Gorges-Dam-2009-325x202.jpg 325w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Three-Gorges-Dam-2009-650x404.jpg 650w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Three-Gorges-Dam-2009-1300x807.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Three-Gorges-Dam-2009-768x477.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 714px) calc(50vw - calc(clamp(1.5rem, 5vw, 2rem) * 2)), 325px\"\/><\/picture><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wikimedia\/<a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Three_Gorges_Dam,_Yangtze_River,_China.jpg\">Le Grand Portage<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Beyond renewable energy production, the Three Gorges Dam is instrumental in flood control, ship navigation and providing freshwater resources during the dry season. However, it has also triggered ongoing discussions about the environmental and social impacts of such large-scale infrastructure projects. The dam\u2019s construction displaced some 1.3 million people, inundated cultural sites and natural habitats and has led to erosion and an increased risk of landslides. Scientists have even linked the immense weight of the reservoir\u2019s water and its infiltration into geological faults to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slu.edu\/news\/2018\/september\/earthquake-research.php\">significant increase in earthquakes in the surrounding area<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFew, if any, future infrastructure projects are likely to match the scale of disruption caused by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energypolicy.columbia.edu\/sagatom-saha\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sagatom Saha<\/a>, an adjunct research scholar at Columbia\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energypolicy.columbia.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Center on Global Energy Policy<\/a>. \u201cStill,\u00a0large-scale renewable projects\u2014whether solar parks, wind farms or transmission corridors\u2014raise their own concerns.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The essential, longstanding environmental protections we have in the U.S., such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.proofpoint.com\/v2\/url?u=https-3A__www.epa.gov_nepa_what-2Dnational-2Denvironmental-2Dpolicy-2Dact&amp;d=DwMGaQ&amp;c=009klHSCxuh5AI1vNQzSO0KGjl4nbi2Q0M1QLJX9BeE&amp;r=8CZpf128AhRSI092tKL7vKb-rw-qDDyoqvDuk1l4tHQ&amp;m=bWrUbSAr8qTpRWuwk7yrd428cqyH9OdWDbwmv4rj6c_Yd20Uase_d1qP5EeN_hIN&amp;s=5J_JzBKM5dSur_SElF4VO3kX6f107SdzaOPT6sdtAag&amp;e=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Environmental Policy Act<\/a>\u00a0and the <a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.proofpoint.com\/v2\/url?u=https-3A__en.wikipedia.org_wiki_Endangered-5FSpecies-5FAct-5Fof-5F1973&amp;d=DwMGaQ&amp;c=009klHSCxuh5AI1vNQzSO0KGjl4nbi2Q0M1QLJX9BeE&amp;r=8CZpf128AhRSI092tKL7vKb-rw-qDDyoqvDuk1l4tHQ&amp;m=bWrUbSAr8qTpRWuwk7yrd428cqyH9OdWDbwmv4rj6c_Yd20Uase_d1qP5EeN_hIN&amp;s=Tob5DB_hc7jnRbrfevaPWGpF2Q0Nm-8-kl0IhASRqdw&amp;e=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Endangered Species Act<\/a>,\u00a0have made it harder to rapidly build infrastructure needed to decarbonize, says Saha. <\/p>\n<p>As policy makers from different sides of the political spectrum look for ways to simplify the permitting process while still protecting ecosystems and communities, \u201cconsensus remains elusive,\u201d he says. \u201cAs we work to build the clean energy economy and meet the growing demands of data centers and AI, we should not forget the hard-won lessons from past energy infrastructure projects.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Despite its controversies, the Three Gorges Dam remains an extraordinary feat of engineering, technological complexity, and scale.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dcZ0BXJYlUA\">Building the world\u2019s largest (and most controversial) power plant<\/a><\/strong> (TED-Ed)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"alta-wind\" class=\"wp-block-group project has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group info has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alta Wind Energy Center<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mojave Desert, California<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Capacity: 1.55 GW<\/h2>\n<p>Located in the Tehachapi Mountains at the edge of the Mojave Desert, the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Alta_Wind_Energy_Center\">Alta Wind Energy Center<\/a> is one of the largest onshore wind farms in the world. The 600 turbines at the facility harness the winds that pass over the Tehachapi Range to provide clean electricity for up to 450,000 homes while preventing some 5.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere annually\u2014the equivalent of keeping about 446,000 gasoline cars off the road.<\/p>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-small wp-lightbox-container\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/alta-wind-energy-center-325x217.avif 325w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/alta-wind-energy-center-650x433.avif 650w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/alta-wind-energy-center-768x512.avif 768w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/alta-wind-energy-center-1300x866.avif 1300w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/alta-wind-energy-center.avif 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 714px) calc(50vw - calc(clamp(1.5rem, 5vw, 2rem) * 2)), 325px\" type=\"image\/avif\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"325\" height=\"217\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/alta-wind-energy-center-325x217.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of mountainous desert landscape with many wind turbines scattered about the hillsides\" class=\"wp-image-120161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/alta-wind-energy-center-325x217.jpg 325w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/alta-wind-energy-center-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/alta-wind-energy-center-1300x866.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/alta-wind-energy-center-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/alta-wind-energy-center.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 714px) calc(50vw - calc(clamp(1.5rem, 5vw, 2rem) * 2)), 325px\"\/><\/picture><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flickr\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/daxis\/47984797267\">Daxis<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Alta Wind\u2019s successful integration into the power grid also represents a significant achievement. Completed in 2016, the 173 mile (278 km) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sce.com\/about-us\/reliability\/upgrading-transmission\/TRTP-4-11\">Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project<\/a> (TRTP) enabled renewable energy produced at Alta Wind to be delivered to densely populated urban areas in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. The TRTP transmission system has an expanded capacity of up to 4.5 gigawatts\u2014enough to provide power for an estimated 3 million homes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLast year the United States generated more electricity from wind and solar combined than from coal, finally reaching this important milestone after a decade of sustained progress,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/climate.law.columbia.edu\/directory\/matthew-b-eisenson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matthew Eisenson<\/a>, senior fellow at the <a href=\"https:\/\/climate.law.columbia.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sabin Center for Climate Change Law<\/a>. \u201cYet despite this progress, getting new wind and solar projects approved remains a significant challenge. <\/p>\n<p>Local zoning is one of the primary hurdles, he explains. \u201cThe Sabin Center has <a href=\"https:\/\/climate.law.columbia.edu\/content\/opposition-renewable-energy-facilities-united-states-june-2024-edition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">documented restrictions<\/a>\u00a0in hundreds of towns and counties, including mandatory setbacks of up to two miles, which effectively block development,\u201d says Eisenson.<\/p>\n<p>In response, New York, California, Illinois, Michigan and other states have enacted comprehensive permitting reforms that limit the impact of local barriers on utility-scale renewable energy projects. On January 20, 2025, the president announced a federal pause on new and renewed approvals for onshore and offshore wind projects, introducing another \u201cmajor obstacle to scaling up the nation\u2019s renewable energy infrastructure, particularly wind power,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to creating thousands of construction and maintenance jobs and boosting local economies, the Alta Wind Energy Center is helping California achieve its ambitious goal of using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.ca.gov\/sb100\">100% clean electricity by 2045<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cJz3gMmBvNc\">Largest Wind Farms in the U.S.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"yamakura-dam\" class=\"wp-block-group project has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group info has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Yamakura Dam Floating Solar Plant<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture, Japan<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Capacity: 13.7 MW<\/h2>\n<p>Japan\u2019s Yamakura Dam Solar Plant is an example of one of the newest and fastest growing types of renewable energy: <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Floating_solar\">floating solar<\/a>. Located atop the surface of the Yamakura Dam reservoir, the floating installation covers 18 hectares (45 acres) with more than 50,000 PV solar panels and provides electricity for about 5,000 households.<\/p>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-small wp-lightbox-container\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar-325x244.avif 325w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar-650x488.avif 650w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar-768x576.avif 768w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar.avif 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 714px) calc(50vw - calc(clamp(1.5rem, 5vw, 2rem) * 2)), 325px\" type=\"image\/avif\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"325\" height=\"244\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar-325x244.jpg\" alt=\"View of solar panels atop a pond with mountains in background\" class=\"wp-image-120162\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar-325x244.jpg 325w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar-650x488.jpg 650w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Far-Niente-floating-solar.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 714px) calc(50vw - calc(clamp(1.5rem, 5vw, 2rem) * 2)), 325px\"\/><\/picture><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A floating solar system at Far Niente vineyard, Napa Valley, CA. Wikimedia\/<a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Farniente2.jpg\">SolarWriter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Floating solar systems benefit from the cooling effects of water, which can improve panel efficiency and longevity compared with traditional land-based installations. Additionally, the shade and coverage provided by floating installations help conserve water by reducing surface evaporation. Floating solar also addresses the critical issue of land scarcity, a particular concern in densely populated regions like Japan. By utilizing a reservoir surface, the Yamakura Dam Solar Plant can produce energy for nearby communities without impacting agriculture, housing or the built environment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe growth of floating solar also illustrates another, broader phenomenon,\u201d says Columbia Business School climate economist <a href=\"https:\/\/business.columbia.edu\/faculty\/people\/gernot-wagner\">Gernot Wagner<\/a>. \u201cSolar panels are <a href=\"https:\/\/business.columbia.edu\/insights\/climate\/solar\">so cheap<\/a> these days they\u2019re being installed as everything from garden fences to carports. The solar fence may not be as cheap as wood quite yet, but it keeps the dog in <em>and<\/em> the car charged. Similarly, the floating panel may not be as cheap as a simple tarp, but it decreases evaporation and generates electricity to boot.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldbank.org\/en\/topic\/energy\/publication\/where-sun-meets-water\">The World Bank estimates<\/a> that approximately 6,600 water bodies worldwide\u2014including former coal mines, stone quarries and hydropower lagoons\u2014could be suitable for floating solar installations. If just 10% of the surface area of these sites were utilized for solar generation, they could collectively produce up to a staggering 400 GW of renewable electricity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Video: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/NDnVBFqpFpI?si=5jPx119gRYXXXwpK&amp;t=246\">Kyocera TCL Solar LLC Floating PV Plant: Yamakura Dam <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"hellisheidi\" class=\"wp-block-group project has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group info has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hellishei\u00f0i Power Station<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hengill, Iceland<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Capacity: 303 MW; additional heating<\/h2>\n<p>Iceland\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.power-technology.com\/projects\/hellisheidi-geothermal-power-plant\/\">Hellishei\u00f0i Power Station<\/a>, located near Reykjav\u00edk, is one of the world\u2019s most technologically advanced geothermal energy plants. The facility taps into Iceland\u2019s volcanic geology, drawing high-pressure steam and hot water from deep underground reservoirs to provide both electricity and heat to thousands of local homes and businesses.<\/p>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-small wp-lightbox-container\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant-325x183.avif 325w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant-650x366.avif 650w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant-1300x732.avif 1300w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant.avif 1999w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 714px) calc(50vw - calc(clamp(1.5rem, 5vw, 2rem) * 2)), 325px\" type=\"image\/avif\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"325\" height=\"183\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant-325x183.png\" alt=\"Overhead view of green volcanic landscape with steam arising from various power plant structures.\" class=\"wp-image-120163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant-325x183.png 325w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant-650x366.png 650w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant-1300x732.png 1300w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/media.news.climate.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant.png 1999w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 714px) calc(50vw - calc(clamp(1.5rem, 5vw, 2rem) * 2)), 325px\"\/><\/picture><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wikimeida\/<a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Hellisheidi_Geothermal_Power_Plant.png\">Sigrg<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Beyond energy production, the Hellishei\u00f0i Power Station also employs innovative carbon capture and storage methods through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carbfix.com\/\">CarbFix<\/a> project. At Hellishei\u00f0i, carbon dioxide captured from geothermal emissions is dissolved in water and injected into underground basalt rocks, where it transforms into solid carbonate minerals, permanently locking away the CO\u2082. Additionally, less than a kilometer north of Hellishei\u00f0i, CarbFix\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/climeworks.com\/plant-orca\">Orca<\/a> plant captures CO\u2082 directly from the air\u2014a groundbreaking approach that could one day help reduce global atmospheric carbon emissions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlongside rapidly reducing emissions, large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) is fundamental to climate scenarios that limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius,\u201d says Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory geologist <a href=\"https:\/\/lamont.columbia.edu\/directory\/joshua-murray\">Joshua Murray<\/a>. \u201cThe Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that about 10-20 gigatons of CO<sub>2<\/sub> will need to be captured and stored annually by 2100. <\/p>\n<p>Converting CO<sub>2<\/sub> to carbonate minerals is an appealing method for CCS, says Murray,  because those minerals are stable and\u00a0form naturally over geologic timescales, limiting the risk of future CO<sub>2<\/sub> leaks or pollution. <\/p>\n<p>At Hellishei\u00f0i, Murray notes, \u201cCarbfix has proven that CO\u2082 injection into basaltic rock is a successful mineralization strategy on the scale of a single power plant, capturing around 12,000 tons annually.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Employed at a large scale, \u201cthe global distribution of basaltic (and similar) rocks could sequester 60,000,000 gigatons of CO\u2082\u2014so rocks are not the limiting factor.\u201d The biggest challenge will be scaling up CCS, Murray adds, \u201cwhich will require continued scientific research, political commitment and the integration of multiple technologies\u2014including carbon mineralization approaches like those used by Carbfix. Each of these technologies can benefit, as Carbfix has done, from looking at natural geological and biological processes as inspiration for CCS.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebsco.com\/research-starters\/power-and-energy\/iceland-and-renewable-energy\">Iceland generates nearly 100% of its electricity and heating from renewable sources<\/a>, and its Hellishei\u00f0i Power Station is an example of how innovative renewable energy technologies can sustainably integrate with local ecosystems and also benefit nearby communities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Video: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=FPR93OuvdfU\">Inside the hidden carbon plant pulling CO2 from thin air<\/a><\/strong> (BBC News)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-sotp-dots-only\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"\/>\n<p>According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/renewables-2024\/executive-summary\">global renewable capacity is projected to nearly triple by 2030<\/a>, signaling a dramatic acceleration in the shift toward sustainable energy. Ongoing research and development\u2014including advanced solar materials, next-generation wind turbines, and improved energy storage technologies\u2014promise even greater efficiency, affordability, and scalability. Around the world, public and private sectors will continue to prioritize renewable energy projects, recognizing their essential role not only in addressing climate change, but also in creating economic growth and strengthening energy security. Now more than ever before, the future of global energy is renewable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The renewable energy industry has experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade, driven by technological innovation, falling costs, public and private investment and international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Worldwide investment in the low-carbon energy transition topped $2 trillion in 2024, and renewable energy now accounts for 30% of global electricity generation. But nations&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":594,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-593","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-berita"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/593","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=593"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/593\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=593"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=593"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cn-seo.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=593"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}