SOLAR: The Minneapolis airport will soon be home to the state’s largest solar array, providing up to 20 percent of the facility’s electricity. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
ALSO: Ohio State researchers develop a solar cell that can store its own energy, NRG Energy aims to be a “one-stop shop” for solar customers, and a northwest Indiana installation will test solar panels under “not-so-ideal circumstances.” (Columbus Dispatch, EnergyWire, Times of Northwest Indiana)
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TRANSMISSION: A MISO review finds the benefits from “multivalue projects” are greater than anticipated. (SNL)
EFFICIENCY: A recent UN report recognizes St. Paul’s district energy system as a global leader, and Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls partners with the World Resources Institute to promote sustainable cities. (Midwest Energy News, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
COAL:
• Power plant operators worry about power outages as coal deliveries continue to be disrupted. (SNL)
• Neighbors pack a hearing on a proposed coal-waste facility in Illinois. (Springfield State Journal-Register)
• Falling coal markets attract smaller companies to the industry. (Bloomberg)
• Murray Energy’s CEO is still encouraging employees to donate to his preferred political candidates. (New Republic)
• Activists protest a North Dakota coal plant. (KXNews)
CLIMATE: Exelon executives hint at support for cap-and-trade and a carbon tax in testimony to state regulators. (Chicago Tribune)
OIL AND GAS:
• A new study says the shale industry could create 18,000 jobs in Ohio. (Dayton Business Journal)
• How the oil and gas boom has impacted other energy sectors. (Vox)
• Leaders in Chicago suburbs call for tougher oversight of oil trains. (Chicago Tribune)
• Complicated federal regulations make it difficult for North Dakota oil producers to cut flaring. (Reuters)
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BIOENERGY: A Wisconsin health care provider moves a step closer to its energy independence goal with a new $14 million manure-to-energy system. (La Crosse Tribune)
COMMENTARY: Tea Party clean-energy advocate Debbie Dooley reflects on her visit to Wisconsin, and why Wisconsin businesses should support EPA carbon limits. (Midwest Energy News, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)