CLEAN ENERGY: Indiana clean energy advocates say a state energy task force’s recent interest in small nuclear reactors distracts from more prudent solutions such as renewables and demand response. (Energy News Network)
PIPELINES: Enbridge officials temporarily shut down Line 5 in northern Michigan ahead of a group’s plan to enter company property and turn an emergency shutoff valve. (Detroit Free Press)
WIND:
• The developer of a Lake Erie offshore wind pilot project risks losing what’s left of a $50 million federal grant and jeopardizing the project if it doesn’t secure financing by the end of the year. (Cleveland.com)
• An analysis of Minnesota wind energy development shows that adding at least one turbine in a precinct increases an incumbent’s chances of being reelected. (Washington Post)
• A central Iowa wind turbine blade manufacturer plans to close by the end of the year and eliminate 710 jobs; U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley will urge President Biden to consider having the plant manufacture components for offshore wind projects to keep the facility afloat. (Des Moines Register, Radio Iowa)
• The Nebraska Public Power District must uphold power purchase agreements with four wind energy producers after the affiliates transferred control of their parent companies’ ownership without utility approval, a court rules. (Bloomberg Law, subscription)
CARBON STORAGE: North Dakota regulators approve plans for what will be the state’s first carbon storage project at an ethanol plant: “This is a landmark day,” says a top state official. (Bismarck Tribune)
SOLAR: A Michigan State University study says building 900 MW of community solar projects over the next six years would contribute nearly $1.5 billion to the state’s economy and create an estimated 18,500 jobs. (MiBiz)
COAL:
• A report by Chicago’s inspector general says three city employees should be fired for their role in the botched April 2020 demolition of a former coal plant smokestack. (WTTW)
• Minnesota’s largest utilities have reduced costs and emissions after switching coal plant operations to economic-based schedules, state regulators report. (Daily Energy Insider)
• Ameren Missouri and the federal government seek a rehearing in a case involving a required air pollution permit for modifications at a coal plant. (Bloomberg Law, subscription)
BIOGAS: A $10 million facility that converts landfill methane gas to renewable natural gas is completed in Iowa. (KCRG)
UTILITIES: Xcel Energy had the second-highest CEO to median employee pay ratio among large U.S. utilities last year as the company head made 139 times more than the average company worker. (S&P Global)
OIL & GAS:
• Two sites in Michigan are selected for new Coast Guard facilities that will study the impact of freshwater oil spills and improve emergency responses. (Detroit News)
• Nearby residents are concerned about the land impacts of a planned 16-mile natural gas pipeline in central Ohio, though utility officials say the project is needed to keep up with demand. (WBNS)