Because state highways are one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, some state DOTs are looking for ways to decarbonize within their existing highway systems. Expanding renewable energy and decarbonizing requires increased transmission to meet the new capacity. Although DOTs have space to carry power and other utilities along their highways (in what is called the right-of-way, or ROW), these opportunities remain underutilized due to the technical coordination and expertise needed to implement them. By electrifying state-owned highways, state DOTs and the energy sector can work together to reduce carbon emissions.
right of way
Expanding Transportation’s Role in the Clean Energy Transition
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Join us for this webinar with The Ray – a leading non-profit organization advancing net zero infrastructure—and the Minnesota DOT to learn how DOT’s are being asked to support expanded electricity transmission to incorporate renewable resources, serve new loads (especially for EV charging) and improve grid reliability.
Right-of-way renewable energy resources available on SSTI website
The goal of SSTI’s recently created Renewable Energy in the Right of Way resource page is to facilitate the sharing of technical documents related to siting renewable energy — principally solar — projects in the highway ROW. It is a living repository of technical documents for state DOTs and others to use as examples as they develop their own ROW renewable energy projects.
“War on cars” (or bicycles) isn’t new
A recent NPR story asked if there was really a “war on cars.” This idea seems to appear in newspaper comments, on radio talk shows, and as opinion pieces. But this question is not new, nor are complaints about rude bicyclists or clueless pedestrians. We have been arguing about access and safety in the public right of way for over a century.