SOLAR: Clean energy supporters say Illinois is embarking on a pioneering model to place solar and storage facilities at former coal plants, helping to rejuvenate jobs and revenues in areas dependent on coal generation. (Energy News Network)
ALSO:
• Teams from Midwestern universities competing in solar-powered vehicle competitions say the pandemic has taught them how to work under remote conditions while dealing with supply chain challenges. (Centered)
• A 200 MW solar project planned in southeastern Indiana could add $38 million to the local economy and create 340 construction jobs, according to an economic impact study completed by the developers. (The Republic)
• Farming groups deploy a solar-powered irrigation pivot in Nebraska that’s believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S. (KLKN)
• A developer details plans for a potential 300 MW solar project with 165 MW of storage in southern Wisconsin. (Daily Register)
TRANSMISSION: The Grain Belt Express transmission line developer plans to increase its capacity by 25%, enabling it to deliver 5,000 MW of power. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• The economic development arm of the Forest County Potawatomi Community in Wisconsin launches a market study to determine whether it should get into producing electric vehicle chargers. (Tribal Business News)
• Since installing three electric vehicle charging stations a year ago, a northeastern Minnesota city has recouped $5,000 in fee revenue from more than 600 charging sessions. (North Shore Community Radio)
OIL & GAS: At a stop in Michigan, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says the Biden administration continues to push Congress to enact a federal gasoline tax holiday to help combat high prices. (Detroit Free Press)
WIND: Organizers in eastern Iowa seek to halt construction on a wind project’s second phase, calling for increased setback distances and measures to reduce noise and shadow flicker. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
PIPELINES:
• Iowa opponents of carbon capture pipelines say local authorities aren’t equipped to manage the public health risks of a potential rupture. (KMALand)
• Iowa environmental groups plan to rally today against multiple carbon pipelines planned across the state. (KCCI)
• Michigan tribal leaders and environmental allies applaud Michigan regulators for reopening a case involving safety measures with the Line 5 pipeline and a proposed tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac. (Tribal Business News)
GRID: Grid operator MISO tells federal regulators that it plans to wait until 2030 to allow aggregated distributed energy resources to participate in its power markets. (Utility Dive)
COMMENTARY:
• PJM’s latest capacity auction keeping prices down for ratepayers shows that aging coal plants can retire without jeopardizing grid reliability, say clean energy advocates. (Natural Resources Defense Council)
• A former energy industry professional says Kansas should deploy small modular nuclear reactors as fast as possible to maintain carbon-free power on the grid. (Kansas Public Radio)
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