Yale Environment Review

Distributed energy resources (DERs) are important pathways in the clean energy transition. However, valuing these pathways is challenging. New research examines what value these technologies bring to the grid and how utilities should structure payments for them in the distributed energy system of tomorrow. Sarah Gledhill summarizes research on these strategies for expanding the clean energy markets in our newest article.

Understanding the Value of Distributed Energy Resources The energy system is changing. Solar panels pop up in neighborhoods, utility companies advertise smart thermostats, and more people drive electric vehicles every year. These energy technologies scattered around the grid are called “Distributed Energy Resources” (DERs). Traditionally, utilities s...

The emerging offshore wind industry presents a significant opportunity for the United States to achieve its decarbonization goals. However, the nation lags considerably in offshore installations compared to the rest of the world.

Mary Marshall explains new research which suggests that US offshore wind development has been hindered by connectivity, technology, and policy constraints.

What's holding the United States back from being a global leader in offshore wind? Wind power will be critical to achieving aggressive decarbonization goals in the United States. Offshore systems are particularly attractive due to the higher speed and reliability of oceanic wind. Although wind energy makes up seven percent of total U.S. power generation, offshore wind is less than...

Do you eat meat? Or are you plant-based all or most of the time?

A cultural shift away from animal consumption (e.g. ) has been met with a counter-cultural glorification of meat ( scented candles, anyone?)

These two societal trends reflect a redrawing of moral boundaries – the lines people draw to assert moral status.

Zack Steigerwald Schnall explains an interdisciplinary approach threading philosophical, psychological, and sociological perspectives that offers unique insight to understand the formation and evolution of moral boundaries in meat consumption.

Moral drawbridges: Cultural conflicts between meat-eaters and meat-avoiders In the last five years, both markets and media have documented a cultural shift in meat consumption.

Seagrass meadows are dynamic and critical ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to humans living in coastal areas. They are also at the center of exciting new research into the potential of “blue carbon” sequestration to help combat climate change.

Seagrass ecosystem services, threats, and “blue carbon” restoration potential