As The Ray celebrates its 10th anniversary, we look back on a decade of groundbreaking work in sustainable transportation and energy, and forward to an even more impactful 2025. Building on our successes, we’re poised to launch ambitious new projects that promise to reshape the future of our infrastructure.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

In a landmark collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and Esri, The Ray is embarking on a two-year project to create the first-ever 50-state right-of-way parcel database and solar suitability analysis. Funded by a $1.5 million Department of Energy award, this initiative will provide critical data for identifying prime locations for solar arrays along our nation’s highways. From this data, we will produce 20 digital models of optimal solar sites, feeding into a toolkit that NREL will share with key stakeholders, including state DOTs, public service commissions, and national associations. This work will pave the way for widespread solar energy adoption within transportation corridors, driving us closer to a net-zero future.

Powering the Future with Transmission

Expanding our right-of-way expertise, The Ray is working with the Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office to advance transmission infrastructure planning. While the specifics are still being scoped, we are pursuing an ambitious 50-state interstate and highway right-of-way analysis for transmission suitability, aiming to identify and model transmission corridors in the national interest. This analysis will be crucial for expanding our nation’s capacity for sustainable energy transmission.

Addressing Emerging Challenges

The Ray is broadening its research portfolio to address critical issues like rubber tire micro-pollutants and stormwater management. In 2025, we will delve into the science and practice of mitigating these pollutants from roadways, including emerging concerns like 6PPD and microplastics. This work will complement our ongoing focus on rubber-modified asphalt, solidifying our commitment to a circular economy and environmentally sound infrastructure.

Nurturing Natural Capital

Our Natural Capital Program continues to flourish through strategic corporate partnerships. Following successful installations with Kia and ongoing projects with Ryder, we’re preparing for installations with Southwire and exploring multiple sites with Goodyear for pollinator meadows and habitat restoration. These collaborations demonstrate the power of cross-sector partnerships in creating ecologically vibrant transportation corridors.

Driving Innovation in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

The Ray is at the forefront of connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technology. Building on our existing work with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Panasonic, we’re expanding our connected vehicle ecosystem to include Hyundai and Kia‘s hydrogen fuel-cell class 8 trucks. This initiative will enable connected freight applications, improve safety, and pave the way for testing higher levels of autonomous vehicle operation in the freight sector.

As we celebrate a decade of impact and embark on these transformative projects, your support is more critical than ever. Invest in The Ray today and help us build a resilient future for generations to come. Your donation will directly fuel our research, partnerships, and advocacy efforts, accelerating the transition to a net-zero transportation future.

Donate now and let’s drive the future, together.