CLEAN TECH: Exelon and Northwestern University in Illinois are partnering on a clean energy research initiative that focuses on grid technology, renewables and energy storage and bringing products to consumers. (Chicago Tribune)
ALSO:
• The University of Dayton in Ohio is putting up $1 million for a revolving loan fund that will develop clean energy and technology. (Dayton Business Journal)
• Ohio ranks among the middle of U.S. states in developing clean technology, according to a new report. (Dayton Business Journal)
COAL:
• A new report lists multiple coal companies that have increased CEO compensation while struggling through bankruptcy. (Grist)
• FirstEnergy’s CEO says the utility cannot eliminate coal right now without affecting reliability. (Akron Beacon Journal)
RENEWABLES: The Cleveland City Council approves a resolution supporting the “immediate return” of clean energy standards in Ohio. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
CLEAN POWER PLAN: The federal rules would reduce the U.S.’s share of electric generation by coal to 18 percent by 2040, according to the Energy Information Administration. (Platts)
EMISSIONS: Carbon dioxide emissions from power plants were at their lowest in decades for 2015, falling by 21 percent below 2005 levels. (Climate Central)
WIND: Construction starts on a 150-megawatt wind project in North Dakota. (Energy Business Review)
NUCLEAR: Federal regulators reach a settlement with the owner of a southwest Michigan nuclear plant that addresses the “root cause” of a leak five years ago and improves public communication. (Associated Press)
UTILITIES:
• Ohio enters a pivotal time for its energy industry as FirstEnergy and AEP wait to see what happens to its struggling coal and nuclear plants. (WKSU)
• A history of Ohio’s deregulated electric market. (WOSU)
• Illinois lawmakers are set to hold a hearing this week on ComEd’s demand charge proposal. (CBS Chicago)
WILDFIRE: A financial analysis shows the wildfires around Alberta’s oil sands region has cost more than $750 million in lost output, or 1.2 million barrels a day over two weeks. (BBC)
PIPELINES: A property-rights group will advise Iowa landowners who live in the project area of the Dakota Access pipeline about the state’s eminent domain laws. (The Gazette)
BIOFUELS:
• Researchers in Missouri say biodiesel “holds significant promise” over fossil fuels in being able to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. (Biofuels Digest)
• Industry officials seek continued funding sources for a grant program in Iowa that helps finance the installation of biofuel pumps. (Radio Iowa)
EFFICIENCY:
• Western Wisconsin communities will see new energy efficient streetlights as part of a larger program by Xcel Energy. (LaCrosse Tribune)
• The U.S. Department of Energy announces a new series of efficiency programs emphasizing combined heat and power and improving the building stock in low-income communities. (Utility Dive)
• Sharp differences remain among the lighting industry and efficiency advocates about the federal government’s plan to phase out most existing light bulbs by 2020. (Greenwire)
TRANSMISSION: Property owners express concern about the eventual siting of a high-powered transmission line connecting Wisconsin and Iowa. (WMTV)
COMMENTARY:
• The Clean Power Plan will help address the “negative effects pollution and climate change disproportionately have on communities of color.” (Duluth News Tribune)
• In support of Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s “effort to stand strong against pressure from the utilities” over the clean-energy standards freeze there. (Cincinnati Enquirer)