Topic outline

  • DOT: Siting Renewable Energy Projects in Highway ROW

    Credits: 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This online engineering PDH course describes concerns and requirements for siting and implementing renewable energy projects in highway right of ways (ROWs). Aiming to increase renewable energy production, the Federal Highway Administration and state and local transportation agencies recently have expressed a growing interest in installing decentralized renewable energy technologies on spaces not traditionally considered for electricity generation. From a highway ROW perspective, however, there are considerable economic, ecological, legal, and political uncertainties related to whether accommodating renewable energy technologies and alternative fuel facilities is an acceptable highway land management practice. This course discusses the implications and feasibility of implementing renewable energy and fuel options in the ROW.

    Topics:

    • Height and set-back requirements
    • Site access for construction, operations, and maintenance
    • Proximity to electrical interconnection and transmission lines
    • Minimum site acreage and slope
    • Minimum site acreage
    • High visibility to public
    • Availability of natural resource to be used
    • Proximity to aircraft navigation systems
    • Regional climate and soil type for biocrop growth
    • Wildlife concerns
    • Case studies

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil, highway, and electrical engineers interested in the possibility of installing renewable energy in highway right of ways.

    Publication Source: This course is based on the report, “Alternative Uses of Highway Right‐of‐Way,” prepared by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, for the Federal Highway Administration Office of Real Estate Services, January, 2012.


    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)
    • Topic 1