N-CATT releases new green energy guide authorized by CTE 

The National Center for Applied Transit Technologies (N-CATT) has announced the release of The Guide to Green Energy Adoption for Transit Agencies, authored by the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE). This paper provides insight into the range of options that small-urban, rural, and tribal transit agencies have for powering their transit operations with clean electric power.

On-site green energy generation can provide transit agencies with additional, sustainable charge management strategies to conserve electricity costs. The Green Energy Guide provides an overview of available renewable resources, considerations for procuring green energy, and strategies to enhance the benefits of these green energy charging options. Topics include green energy infrastructure, microgrids, procurement options, charging management, and deployment options. 

For transit agencies committed to environmental and climate goals, this guide is a tool for navigating the unique considerations for powering a zero-emission fleet. In order for transit operations to become truly carbon-free, zero-emission vehicles must be powered by zero-emission energy sources. Integrating clean vehicles with clean energy resources is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

“As we electrify medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, we should strive to also mitigate upstream emissions by implementing charging solutions powered by renewable energy,” says CTE’s Executive Director, Dan Raudebaugh. “CTE strongly supports agencies in taking the step to make their transit operations carbon-free.”

"The next few years are an exciting time for green energy technologies in general, and for transit in particular,” says N-CATT’s Director, Andrew Carpenter. “Smaller agencies can begin to benefit from these advances, and can begin planning their infrastructure accordingly. This guidebook provides a starting point to help agencies plan for the future, and consider the growing options for transit agencies to reduce their emissions."

N_CATT and CTE hosted a free webinar about the guide on April 6, 2021.