The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a historic investment in our nation’s electric grid, with $3.46 billion for projects across the US to “strengthen electric grid resilience and reliability.” The announcement included $464 million to fund a proposal jointly developed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Great Plains Institute, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), and Southwest Power Pool (SPP) for DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program. The project will spur the development of zero-carbon electricity generation across several states by supporting essential transmission infrastructure. Continue reading »
PV-SuCCESS to Help Communities Harness Ecosystem Benefits of Solar Deployment
October 16, 2023 in Renewable Energy Author: Zane Franke
As demand for and development of solar energy rapidly grows, opposition to large-scale solar projects from host community residents and non-energy stakeholders can hinder the solar permitting processes. This opposition is frequently rooted in stakeholders’ concern for natural resources, agricultural practices, local economic base, and rural character. Continue reading »
Learn about the Clean Fuel States Collaborative
October 9, 2023 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Mariem Zaghdoudi
If you ask the average American how many entities they think are involved in designing a complex policy, they’ll likely say: “Many.” We at the Great Plains Institute (GPI) have found that to be true. To design policy to achieve multiple objectives, it’s critical to engage as many of the stakeholders that would be impacted by that legislation as early in the process as possible. Continue reading »
New Online Tool Consolidates Social, Environmental Data for Louisiana Carbon Management Projects
September 28, 2023 in Carbon Management, News & Press Author: Darren Goode
Interactive maps give communities, stakeholders unique access to key data for siting carbon management projects
September 28, 2023, MINNEAPOLIS—A first-of-its-kind tool will provide a central hub for Louisiana decision makers and the broader interested public to consider social, environmental, legal, and community data and factors when determining where to locate carbon management projects in the state. Continue reading »
Seed Grant Applications Open for Community-Based Clean Energy Projects in Minnesota
September 11, 2023 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs), the Minnesota statewide partnership to support community-based clean energy projects, is now accepting applications for seed grants for 2024! Applications are due at noon on October 10, 2023, and projects will be conducted from January 2024 through January 2025. Read the request for proposal for the full criteria and eligibility. Continue reading »
Inflation Reduction Act Anniversary Highlights Essential Role of Engaging Communities
August 16, 2023 in News & Press Author: Rolf Nordstrom
Although less than a quarter of Americans know much about the Inflation Reduction Act even a year later, it still has the potential to improve people’s lives and transform our energy system and economy for the better. Whether we will realize the full potential of this historic legislation depends on how we approach public engagement, who is at the proverbial table, and what outcomes we’re optimizing for. Continue reading »
GPI Requests Twin Cities Electric Mobility Education Outreach Proposals
July 11, 2023 in News & Press, Transportation & Fuels Author: Darren Goode
Project aims to fill electric mobility literacy gap in underserved communities
July 11, 2023, MINNEAPOLIS—The Great Plains Institute (GPI) is requesting proposals to help fill the literacy gap about electric mobility among low-income, historically marginalized groups, and other underserved communities in the Twin Cities. Continue reading »
GPI to Help More Communities Become Solar Ready with SolSmart
July 11, 2023 in Renewable Energy Author: Sydne Tursky
Since 2016, the federal SolSmart program has helped 500 communities become solar ready. Now, the program is aiming to designate 500 more communities over the next few years. The Great Plains Institute is a SolSmart liaison. Through our recruitment efforts, we’ve helped about 100 communities become solar ready. Most recently, we helped Minnetonka, Minnesota, achieve Bronze designation in the program’s new phase. Continue reading »
Next Steps for a Clean Transportation Standard in Minnesota
June 22, 2023 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Mariem Zaghdoudi
Despite the national and state momentum and the consistent support from the growing Future Fuels Coalition, the proposed Minnesota clean transportation standard did not pass during the state’s recently adjourned legislative session. Yet progress will continue this summer thanks to legislation requiring the establishment of a working group on a clean transportation standard in the state. Continue reading »
Minnesota’s Historic Legislative Session Delivers Clean Energy, Climate Wins
June 14, 2023 in Communities, Transportation & Fuels Author: Carolyn Berninger
Minnesota legislators and advocates seized a unique opportunity this spring to pass transformative clean energy and climate policy that will jump-start the state’s transition to a lower-carbon economy. The state’s legislative session adjourned on May 22, and it was a busy few months at the Capitol. The state’s historic budget surplus, unified Democrat-Farmer-Labor (DFL) control of state government, and significant federal investments in clean energy set the stage for ambitious policymaking in 2023. Continue reading »
