10 times fiction predicted smart city advancements

From data analytics to hyperloop and cutting-edge transportation methods, many smart city concepts aren't entirely original ideas.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 10, 2018

EVs could drive 38% rise in US electricity demand, DOE lab finds

Increasing demand could lead to sustained absolute growth of 80 terawatt-hours per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

By Robert Walton • July 10, 2018

Emissions cuts most effective at the city level, study says

Cities with energy production and manufacturing had higher carbon dioxide outputs than service-based or tech-focused cities, research from the University of East Anglia says.

By Jason Plautz • June 28, 2018

Blink eyes significant EV charging expansion via smart streetlights

Blink Charging and Israel's Ya’acobi Brothers Group are working together to integrate controlled electric vehicle charging with smart city infrastructure.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2018

Residential solar won't decline but also won't grow, report finds

After a 15% decline in 2017, a new report expects solar capacity additions to remain stable this year as customers get harder to find. It's "actually pretty good news," said one analyst.

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2018

San Francisco selects design for new public toilets

The new bathrooms are in keeping with the city's Better Streets initiative, which is focused on making sidewalks work for all residents.

By Jason Plautz • June 13, 2018

Engineering vehicle-to-grid connected transportation

 As the price of batteries has plummeted faster than most anyone expected, their role in providing grid stability to smooth the large influx of intermittent renewable generation as well as a ready solution to handle peak load demand has become more and more compelling. 

June 12, 2018

Brownsville, TX and Detroit top list of cities with least broadband access

A lack of internet means less access to information and job opportunities, and can overburden public resources that offer broadband.

By Jason Plautz • June 11, 2018

Boston mayor urges cities to join large-scale renewable energy purchase

The city has already recruited Chicago; Houston; Los Angeles; Orlando, FL; Portland, OR and Evanston, IL to its initiative.

By Jason Plautz • June 8, 2018

What Mary Meeker's 2018 trends report signals for smart cities

Increased Wi-Fi access, more home-sharing and the benefits of ride-hailing over car ownership are among the findings with significant implications for urban dwellers.

By Kristin Musulin • June 5, 2018

Alphabet spinoff Dandelion debuts geothermal heating and cooling system for homes

As cities try to reduce their climate impact and expand renewable energy options, geothermal presents an appealing option. 

By Jason Plautz • June 1, 2018

California, New York, New Jersey see nearly $1.3B in new EV funding

The California PUC's approval of $738 million in utility electrification proposals represents the largest investment in charging infrastructure by a state to date, analysts said.

By Robert Walton • June 1, 2018

Blink Charging unveils new EV fast-charging station

The company wins Underwriters Laboratories approval for a new station meant to cut charging time by about two-thirds.

By Peter Maloney • May 31, 2018

80% of transit buses expected to go electric by 2040, report forecasts

California regulators expect to vote in September on a proposal to transition all transit systems in the state to 100% zero emissions by 2040.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • May 24, 2018

13 projects from the leading edge of the utility transformation

One nonprofit’s invite-only policy forums provide utility stakeholders a "safe space" to work out contentious proceedings and advance ambitious projects.

By Gavin Bade • May 23, 2018

San Francisco to fully electrify bus fleet by 2035

Mayor Mark Farrell announced last month a goal to zero out the city’s net emissions by 2050. Transportation reportedly makes up 46%.

By Jason Plautz • May 17, 2018

Nevada regulators allow utilities to own EV charging stations

The Public Utilities Commission also approved funding for storage and a low income solar program.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2018

IoT lighting is advantageous for the shifting retail landscape

Lighting manufacturers and technology firms are creating new use cases for a lighting system that addresses customer pain points.

By Krystal Maxwell • May 10, 2018

NYC moves to streamline energy storage permitting

City agencies and officials are working to remove barriers to energy storage installations, with comprehensive new guidelines on installing outdoor lithium-ion batteries.

By Peter Maloney • May 9, 2018

On hydropower program's 100th anniversary, San Francisco looks ahead to next century

The system launched after an earthquake and fire devastated the city in 1906, and now provides greenhouse gas-free power to municipal services.

By Chris Teale • May 7, 2018

[Podcast] Where's the energy cloud going?

Welcome to Beyond the Electron: The Energy Cloud podcast series. 

By Smart Cities Dive's studioID • May 7, 2018

15 minute charge for a 300 mile range? DOE moves to boost EVs

The agency on Monday announced $19 million for research on rapid charge times for electric vehicles, battery pack cost reductions and increasing vehicle range.

By Robert Walton • May 2, 2018

Power system sustainability ratings program aims to follow the LEED

It's been 18 years since the LEED certification was introduced for the building sector. Now, a similar program is targeting power systems.  

By Robert Walton • April 26, 2018

Report: Future of DC-Baltimore region depends on AV adoption

University of Maryland researchers assessed the impact of autonomous vehicle growth as well as changing land-use and gas prices in the region.

By Chris Teale • April 20, 2018

Boston shares RFI responses for municipal electricity aggregation program

The program would allow the city to select its energy supply and add more renewable energy beyond what is required by the state.

By Kristin Musulin • April 17, 2018