SOLAR:
• Purdue University researchers look for ways to integrate solar panels and row crops such as corn and soybeans, but operating farm machinery and ensuring enough sunshine under the structures pose big barriers to the concept. (Indianapolis Star)
• Alliant Energy unveils plans for a 150 MW solar project in southeastern Iowa, with a public hearing scheduled for later this month. (Pen City Current)
Sponsored Link
Southern Environmental Law Center is hiring
The Southern Environmental Law Center—one of the nation’s most powerful environmental defenders, rooted in the South—is hiring an Energy and Climate Communications Manager. This role will oversee regional energy communications, including solar and methane gas issues, to advance climate progress.
WIND: Iowa officials meet with utilities, industry groups and solid waste agencies to discuss better options for disposing or recycling wind turbine blades. (Radio Iowa)
NUCLEAR: In addition to securing funding, a Michigan nuclear plant owner would also need power purchase agreements, fuel, a third-party operator and hundreds of workers before it could restart. (MiBiz)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• The U.S. and Mexico plan to partner on electric vehicle production by leveraging Mexico’s nationalized lithium industry. (Associated Press)
• Consumer interest in electric vehicles has dropped amid decreasing gasoline prices, but industry supporters say long-term demand remains strong. (E&E News, subscription)
GRID:
• Grid operator MISO’s 2022 transmission expansion plan calls for 384 new projects that would cost $4.3 billion to build, an increase from last year but more in line with 2019 and 2020 spending levels. (RTO Insider, subscription)
• The Biden administration considers new reliability standards to prevent cryptocurrency mining from straining the power grid. (Utility Dive)
• Financial analysts warn that transmission bottlenecks could cause inefficient development of renewable projects under the Inflation Reduction Act and increase price volatility. (Utility Dive)
CLEAN ENERGY: A Minnesota nonprofit that recently received $100,000 in funding from Google helps connect ratepayers with utility clean energy programs. (Star Tribune)
HYDROELECTRIC: A northern Michigan resort seeks federal permission to continue operating a hydroelectric dam for another 30 to 40 years as part of its clean energy portfolio. (News-Review)
BIOFUELS: Missouri Gov. Mike Parson wants a state bill cutting income taxes by $700 million a year to include incentives that would increase demand for crop-based fuels. (Missouri Independent)
COAL: The U.S. coal industry could face supply disruptions as a potential railway strike threatens the transportation of various commodities. (Bloomberg)
Sponsored Link
Fresh Energy is hiring
Fresh Energy, a Minnesota-based clean energy nonprofit, is hiring a Digital Communications Associate to help advance Fresh Energy’s policy, program, and fundraising-related work.
BUILDINGS: The International Code Council will lead an effort to set a uniform standard for measuring building emissions that seeks to bring consistency to how climate impacts are measured. (E&E News, subscription)
COMMENTARY: A Minnesota editorial board welcomes the state auditor’s consideration of climate risks with state investment funds. (Star Tribune)
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