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 »
GPI Diversifies Board to Reflect Growing National Reach and Scope
October 17, 2023 in News & Press Author: Darren Goode
Comes as organization beginning three-year plan to accelerate decarbonization solutions across economy
October 17, 2023, MINNEAPOLIS—The Great Plains Institute has added three members to its board of directors who represent the organization’s growing and diverse national focus and priorities. 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 »
Federal Hydrogen Hubs Funding Launches New Clean Economy Opportunities
October 13, 2023 in News & Press Author: Darren Goode
MINNEAPOLIS—The Great Plains Institute (GPI) released the following statement by President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom on the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of seven regional clean hydrogen hubs selected to receive $7 billion in federal funding:
“Today’s announcement of federally supported hydrogen hubs launches a new opportunity to equitably build a clean hydrogen economy, and GPI looks forward to working with the new hubs to accelerate decarbonization across the economy. GPI is working to enable the development of a robust and equitable clean hydrogen economy to expand our nation’s portfolio of options for decarbonizing some of the hardest-to-decarbonize sectors, such as agriculture, heavy industry, and parts of the transportation sector. 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, Reports & Whitepapers 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 »
GPI Applauds Launch of Coalition to Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuels in Minnesota
August 29, 2023 in News & Press, Transportation & Fuels Author: Darren Goode
GPI Vice President for Transportation and Fuels Brendan Jordan issued the following statement on today’s launch of the Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel Hub, a new coalition led by the GREATER MSP Partnership, Bank of America, Delta Air Lines, Ecolab, and Xcel Energy. Continue reading »
Cities Across Minnesota Are Becoming EV Smart
August 25, 2023 in Communities, Transportation & Fuels Authors: Alejandro Nakpil, Diana McKeown
This blog was updated from a blog originally authored by Diana McKeown on November 15, 2022.
In November of 2022, the Great Plains Institute launched the EV Smart program in Minnesota. EV Smart is a voluntary certification and recognition program funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Clean Transportation Pilot Program. GPI designed EV Smart to provide communities with a road map to electric vehicle (EV) readiness and help them equitably achieve their EV-readiness goals through technical assistance and a peer cohort model. Continue reading »
Innovative Project Shows How Solar Power Benefits Extend to Sustainable Farming
August 23, 2023 in Renewable Energy Author: Brian Ross
Minnesota’s landmark climate law requires all utilities to accelerate solar and other renewable energy deployment. But the benefits of wind and solar farms can extend far beyond providing emission-free power, including integration with, and support for, the agricultural economic base of states with extensive farmland similar to Minnesota. Continue reading »
