QUICK NEWS, May 12: THE BEAUTY OF WIND;] PLENTY OF LAND FOR SOLAR; PARKING SMARTER

THE BEAUTY OF WIND Wind turbines inspire artist to create paintings shown in NCC exhibit

Jen Banowetz, May 11, 2015 (Chicago Tribune)

Chicago artist Brian Ritchard has found a way ‘to paint the wind.’ He said his interest in wind turbines stems from his interest in sustainability and alternative sources of energy. His methods and materials are very traditional, but his subject is contemporary and] his work has always been about the confluence of nature and culture. This work is inspired by 17-century Dutch landscapes. He began his ‘Turbine Paintings’ in 2008 during ‘random road trips’ but eventually began doing more research and planning trips. He has painted turbine-dotted landscapes all over the Midwest. The Turbine Paintings exhibition runs through June 14. The artist's reception is 6pm on June 6 at ghe North Central College Fine Arts Center’s Schoenherr Gallery, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. click here for more

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PLENTY OF LAND FOR SOLAR Efficient use of land to meet sustainable energy needs

Rebecca R. Hernandez, Madison K. Hoffacker and Christopher B. Field, 16 March 2015 (Nature/Climate Change)

“The deployment of renewable energy systems, such as solar energy, to achieve universal access to electricity, heat and transportation, and to mitigate climate change is arguably the most exigent challenge facing humans today…However, the goal of rapidly developing solar energy systems is complicated by land and environmental constraints, increasing uncertainty about the future of the global energy landscape…We found that the quantity of accessible energy potentially produced from photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP) within the built environment (‘compatible’) exceeds current statewide demand. We identify additional sites beyond the built environment (‘potentially compatible’) that further augment this potential…” click here for more

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PARKING SMARTER Smart Parking Systems; Sensor and Communications Hardware, Software, Services, and Smart City Applications: Global Market Analysis and Forecasts

2Q 2015 (Navigant Research)

“The congestion caused by poorly managed parking supply frustrates drivers, wastes fuel, creates air and noise pollution, and stifles economic activity. Today, the parking industry is being transformed by new technologies…Sensor networks that detect vehicle occupancy are providing the basic intelligence behind smart parking systems…[that] provide real-time parking availability information to make it easier for drivers to find a parking space…[A]doption across cities has been slower than expected. Significant funding from national governments has generally been necessary…Nevertheless, the smart parking sensor and communications industry continues to grow steadily [in cities and at universities, airports, and corporate campuses]…According to Navigant Research, the installed base of sensor-enabled on-street smart parking spaces is expected to surpass 1 million worldwide by 2024…” click here for more

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