ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Manufacturers are developing prototypes for electrified farming vehicles and equipment but face logistical challenges with charging infrastructure, durability and reliability. (Energy News Network)
ALSO:
• The auto manufacturer considering a partnership with Foxconn to build electric vehicles in Wisconsin wants to change a state law banning direct sales of vehicles to customers. (Journal Times)
• A federal infrastructure bill could bring $79 million over five years to build electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Wisconsin. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
PIPELINES:
• Canadian officials anticipate the Line 3 pipeline’s reopening to open more delivery routes as production exceeds pipeline capacity. (Regina Leader-Post)
• U.S. health professionals join in protest against the Line 3 pipeline, saying the expansion jeopardizes human health and the environment. (Grist)
• A concert in Duluth, Minnesota, today protesting Line 3 will raise funds for Indigenous environmental advocates, despite a plea from some northern Minnesota officials asking the city to shut down the event. (Wisconsin Public Radio, Duluth News Tribune)
NUCLEAR:
• Exelon officials say the Byron nuclear plant in northern Illinois will gradually produce less power before running out of fuel and shutting down on Sept. 13. (WTTW)
• Xcel Energy considers a partnership to run an Oregon firm’s small nuclear reactors, which could ultimately benefit the utility’s own nuclear fleet. (Star Tribune)
UTILITIES: Four associates of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan could face trial late next year for their alleged roles in the ComEd bribery scandal. (Chicago Sun-Times)
WIND:
• A tribally owned power authority developing a South Dakota wind project is selected for an Apple-sponsored accelerator program, which tribal officials say could help secure potential power contracts. (South Dakota Public Broadcasting)
• State regulators approve plans for a 414 MW wind project in southwestern Minnesota. (Daily Energy Insider)
• NextEra Energy hopes to present plans to local officials in Kansas this fall for a 600 MW wind project. (Washington County News)
• A recent analysis ranks Michigan 15th among wind energy-producing states. (Huron Daily Tribune)
GRID: Michigan’s top utility regulator and a clean energy advocate say the state’s utilities should improve grid maintenance and resiliency in the wake of widespread weather-related power outages. (Michigan Radio)
SOLAR:
• First Solar breaks ground on its third Ohio manufacturing facility, which should be completed in the first half of 2023. (Solar Industry Magazine)
• The U.S. Department of Energy says solar could supply more than 40% of the nation’s electricity by 2035 if Congress approves policies including tax credits for renewable energy projects and component factories. (Reuters)
• County officials in northern Indiana delay a decision until later this fall on a proposed 150 MW solar project. (WVPE)
• State regulators will hold a public hearing this week on a planned 144 MW solar project in western Ohio. (Springfield News-Sun)
COMMENTARY:
• An Illinois physician says state lawmakers need to accelerate investments in renewable energy to help avoid public health threats associated with climate change. (News-Gazette)
• State utility regulators should start modeling risk associated with extreme weather events and place value on climate mitigation tools as a way to make the power grid more resilient, an Illinois regulator says in a joint op-ed. (Utility Dive)