NUCLEAR: Consumer and environmental groups tell the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that FirstEnergy’s trust funds for decommissioning nuclear plants were nearly $3 billion short as of 2017. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
SOLAR:
• Recent changes to two Minnesota utility incentive programs could spur up to 200 MW of new projects and attract out-of-state developers, advocates say. (Energy News Network)
• A northern Illinois county may choose to permit solar projects on a case-by-case basis rather than create more comprehensive rules. (Rockford Register Star)
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RENEWABLES: Bloomberg New Energy Finance predicts wind and solar will make up nearly half of global electricity generation by 2050 due to cost reductions and cheaper batteries. (pv Magazine)
POLITICS: It’s unclear whether clean energy legislation in Ohio will move forward before the Legislature adjourns next week. (E&E News, subscription)
NATURAL GAS: Michigan officials hold public hearings on air quality permits needed for DTE Energy’s planned 1,100 MW gas plant. (Port Huron Times Herald)
PIPELINES: A look back at a 1991 rupture on Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline that spilled 1.7 million gallons of crude oil. (Minnesota Public Radio)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• A new accord seeks to align major automakers and utilities on the development of EV infrastructure. (E&E News)
• Ford Motor Co. will redevelop a historic train depot in Detroit for tech workers as the company shifts its focus to electric vehicles. (MLive)
WIND: South Dakota regulators consider plans for a 220 MW wind project. (Mitchell Daily Republic)
POLICY: A new group with Republican backers announces plans for a national carbon tax and dividend with support from major fossil fuel companies. (New York Times)
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TRANSPORTATION: Global engineering firms operating in Ohio will lead a feasibility study on a high-speed transportation route connecting Chicago and Pittsburgh. (Columbus Business First)
COMMENTARY:
• Advocates call a potential tunnel to hold the Line 5 pipeline beneath the Great Lakes a “magic trick” that doesn’t adequately address risk. (Traverse City Record-Eagle)
• Union and business leaders in Minnesota argue a new route is needed to replace Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline rather than following the existing route. (MinnPost)