SOLAR: A Minneapolis pilot project will test the concept of a “virtual power plant” in which solar-generating customers share power without going through a utility. (Energy News Network)

ALSO:
• Pushback from Indiana utilities and lawmakers could limit the state’s role in a nationwide solar buildout this decade. (Indiana Environmental Reporter)
• Wisconsin regulators approve permits for a 100 MW solar project while denying attorneys fees from opponents of another 465 MW solar project. (Wisconsin State Journal)
• Local officials break ground on a 100 MW solar project in eastern Wisconsin. (WEAU)

UTILITIES: Evergy plans to keep open part of a Kansas coal plant to run occasionally on natural gas while scaling back its proposal to add 350 MW of solar by 2023, citing “challenges with specific near-term solar projects.” (Missouri Independent)

TRANSMISSION: Investment banking analysts say American Electric Power’s large transmission rate base and geographic location would allow it to benefit from a large-scale renewable energy and transmission buildout. (Utility Dive)

PIPELINES: Nearly 900 people have been arrested during Line 3 pipeline protests, straining public defense resources in northern Minnesota counties. (MPR News)

WIND: University of Minnesota research on bald eagles’ response to noise may help create acoustic deterrents at wind farms. (Star Tribune)

CARBON STORAGE: An Iowa task force hears recommendations for tax credits and other incentives for farmers and businesses to help develop the state’s carbon capture and storage market. (Globe Gazette)

BIOFUELS: The owners of a defunct biofuels plant in northeastern Nebraska will pay a $1.1 million fine to the state and federal governments for repeated environmental violations. (Associated Press)

CLEAN ENERGY: A city task force in western Michigan recommends that the municipal utility adopt more aggressive renewable energy and efficiency targets. (Holland Sentinel)

COAL: U.S. coal production is up 11% from levels a year ago, with the Illinois Basin showing the highest recent growth in the nation. (S&P Global)

COMMENTARY: A coalition of cities in PJM’s territory says federal regulators should mostly undo the grid operator’s Minimum Offer Price Rule that threatens state and local clean energy goals. (Utility Dive)

Andy compiles the Midwest Energy News digest and was a journalism fellow for Midwest Energy News from 2014-2020. He is managing editor of MiBiz in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was formerly a reporter and editor at City Pulse, Lansing’s alternative newsweekly.