John Hennessy III,
P.E.
“We’re at a point now where, with more than $44 billion last year, aggregate investment in the U.S. in renewable energy is over $370 billion…In a lot of the developed world, renewables are the biggest single infrastructure investment that’s going on. You’re actually seeing more spent on renewables than on traditional infrastructure like roads and bridges, which is a pretty big surprise.”
View this complete post...
It’s no secret: Digital technology now touches almost every aspect of business and life. Yet, as the intersection points grow and data volumes swell, there’s also a growing interest in tapping connected systems to address the challenges of urban living: traffic congestion, energy consumption, air pollution and overall livability. “It’s possible to solve many of today’s problems and deliver significant benefits through the effective use of digital technology,” says Jesse Berst, chairman of the Smart Cities Council.
View this complete post...
Recently, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory wanted to know, how well does NREL’s hydrogen infrastructure support fueling multiple fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for a day trip to the Rocky Mountains? The answer-great! NREL staff took FCEVs on a trip to demonstrate real-world performance and range in high-altitude conditions. To start the trip, drivers filled three cars at NREL’s hydrogen fueling station. The cars made a 175-mile loop crossing two 11,000+ foot mountain passes on the way. Back at NREL, the cars were filled up with hydrogen in ~5 minutes and ready to go again.
View this complete post...
It’s no secret that digital technology is radically transforming society. Yet, it’s also introducing unforeseen and remarkable risks. Over the last decade, hacking and cybercrime have evolved from an inconvenient nuisance to a persistent and ominous threat. Hardly a day goes by without news of a major breach somewhere in the world, often to the tune of millions of dollars or involving highly sensitive data and intellectual property. What’s more, the control of energy systems, transportation networks and a growing swath of other types of infrastructure are increasingly at risk for cyberattacks and cyberterrorism.
View this complete post...
…I think that the public and government officials feel as though infrastructure isn’t as critical as it used to be back 20, 25 years ago…They’ll put up with defects in the pavement, they’ll put up with bridge deterioration, where before, and in other countries, transportation is expected to be in very good condition…And here I think we have a new normal. The expectation has really decreased, and there’s a new normal that the expectations are lower.
View this complete post...
After years of underinvestment, infrastructure is having a moment in the policy discussion. Across North America, policy-makers are moving toward using public sector infrastructure investment as a strategy for promoting economic growth, while private infrastructure developers are seeking projects that yield healthy investment returns – returns that are harder to find over the long-term while low growth rates remain the dominant macro-narrative. This focus on infrastructure investment’s potential benefits is laudable, reflecting the advice of top economists and the emerging limits of other policy tools. Such investment, if well-targeted and well-executed, can be a path to achieve near-term economic policy objectives while dramatically improving the foundation for long-term economic prosperity.
View this complete post...
Future urban infrastructure will be intelligent, connected, and aware. Get a jumpstart on this fast-moving trend with an expert panel on Smart Cities and Disruptive Technologies on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, as part of the upcoming American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Fall Conference in Colorado Springs, October 19-22.
View this complete post...
In this simplified animation, learn about Piezoelectric roads and how they could potentially generate more electricity for our communities.
View this complete post...
It’s safe to say the creation and rollout of autonomous vehicles is the hot topic of the transportation industry now. Each major car company has plans to move forward with these vehicles in the next five or so years. But how long will it actually takes us to adapt to the fact we may eventually ride around in vehicles that we only control the 5-10% of the time?
View this complete post...
Advanced energy sources that use little or no fuel, such as wind, solar, hydropower, fuel cells, and energy storage create opportunities for corporations to capture savings and hedge against energy price volatility. The price of advanced energy sources has decreased dramatically during the past decade, and companies are increasingly seeking to purchase power from these resources in order to increase competitiveness and achieve corporate responsibility targets. A growing number of corporations have set formal goals for purchasing renewable energy, which they are integrating into their operations and decision making.
View this complete post...    |
Follow InfrastructureUSA
Video, stills and tales. Share images of the Infra in your community that demands attention. Post your ideas about national Infra issues. Go ahead. Show Us Your Infra! Upload and instantly share your message.
Is the administration moving fast enough on Infra issues? Are Americans prepared to pay more taxes for repairs? Should job creation be the guiding determination? Vote now!
What do the experts think? This is where the nation's public policy organizations, trade associations and think tanks weigh in with analysis on Infra issues. Tell them what you think. Ask questions. Share a different view.
The Infra Blog offers cutting edge perspective on a broad spectrum of Infra topics. Frequent updates and provocative posts highlight hot button topics -- essential ingredients of a national Infra dialogue.
It is encouraging to finally see clear signs of federal action to support a comprehensive US infrastructure investment plan.
Now more than ever, our advocacy is needed to keep stakeholders informed and connected, and to hold politicians to their promises to finally fix our nation’s ailing infrastructure.
We have already engaged nearly 280,000 users, and hoping to add many more as interest continues to grow.
We require your support in order to rise to this occasion, to make the most of this opportunity. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to InfrastructureUSA.org.
Steve Anderson
Managing Director
SteveAnderson@InfrastructureUSA.org
917-940-7125
RSS Feed
© InfrastructureUSA | Terms of Use | Site developed by Andigo New Media
InfrastructureUSA.org is a nonprofit project fiscally sponsored by FJC, a Foundation of Philanthropic Funds.