SOLAR: Xcel Energy proposes adding a 250 MW solar array to an already approved 460 MW solar buildout at a soon-to-retire Minnesota coal plant, which would result in one of the largest solar complexes in the country. (Star Tribune)
GRID:
• A Wisconsin judge upholds a ruling by state regulators to approve a controversial transmission line connecting Iowa and Wisconsin. (Telegraph Herald)
• Consumers Energy is deploying dozens more advanced technology devices on its Michigan electric grid this summer that are designed to limit the size and duration of outages. (Crain’s Grand Rapids Business)
• Consumer advocates and lawmakers urge grid operator PJM to be more transparent in its decision making as states look to connect a high volume of renewable energy to PJM’s grid. (RTO Insider, subscription)
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GEOTHERMAL: An Ohio University researcher is studying the potential for geothermal energy production at former Appalachian coal mines, which could qualify for targeted federal funding. (CNBC)
OIL & GAS: The U.S. EPA is considering adding an Ohio oilfield waste processing facility with a history of radioactive contamination to its list of Superfund sites. (DeSmog)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: General Motors is still considering a northern Indiana site to build its fourth electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant. (Detroit News)
HYDROGEN: Recently announced plans for an electrolyzer manufacturing plant in Michigan could help jumpstart the U.S. hydrogen industry. (E&E News, subscription)
CLEAN ENERGY: Growing demand for solar panels and electric vehicles in Wisconsin and elsewhere will likely lead to more mining for key metals in western states. (WUWM)
POLITICS: A deputy for President Biden’s reelection campaign says explaining the vast public benefits of multiple federal climate change policies this term will be a key challenge for the campaign. (E&E News)
WIND: University of Illinois researchers say the social stigma around wind turbines has been the primary factor in blocking wind development in a central Illinois county. (Daily Illini)
BIOFUELS:
• South Bend, Indiana, officials approve $16.5 million in tax incentives for the new owner of a local ethanol plant that plans to invest $230 million to expand the facility. (South Bend Tribune)
• Michigan biofuel advocates say switching to biodiesel-powered vehicles can help regions like metro Detroit improve air quality. (Michigan Farm News)
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