Your Life Runs on It — and It Needs an Upgrade

July 26, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Rolf Nordstrom

You might think this is about food, love, or coffee. Nope, this is about electricity. It’s hard to name something you’ll do today that doesn’t require it, and yet we mostly take it for granted, unless you lose power or your cell phone dies. Pause for a minute to consider that without electricity we would not have computers, TVs, microwaves, refrigeration, skyscrapers (no elevators), medicines that require refrigeration, and a very long list of other features of modern life. In short, electricity just might be the most important product you never think of. Continue reading »

How a New Project Seeks to Reduce Barriers to Solar in Greater Minnesota

July 21, 2017 in Communities Authors: Sophia Krohn, Trevor Drake

Almost every time we give a community presentation on solar, somebody asks about how the costs of the technology are changing and whether it’s best to wait to “go solar.” It’s a smart question, and indeed the costs of the physical components of solar projects are being driven down by market forces (though arguably not quick enough to warrant waiting). The trouble with this question is that it misses the target in seeing what’s most important, which is not just the cost of hardware but the final cost of an installed system. Continue reading »

e21 Forum Convenes Stakeholders to Explore Consumer-Centric Rates and Performance-Based Compensation

July 12, 2017 in Energy Systems Authors: Sophia Krohn, Trevor Drake

Industry and Projects

On Friday July 14th, over 50 people convened in St. Paul to learn about and discuss innovations towards a more customer-centric regulatory framework and utility business model for the 21stcentury. The event was the second of several e21 Forums in 2017, which are convened by the Great Plains Institute and Center for Energy and Environment and designed to provide an opportunity for interested parties in Minnesota to hear about and discuss important issues facing the electric sector. Below is a recap of the event along with links to slides and resources. Continue reading »

Electricity Market Design and Carbon Capture Technology: The Opportunities and the Challenges

June 29, 2017 in Carbon Management, Reports & Whitepapers Author: Brad Crabtree

Electricity Market Design Cover

The State CO2-EOR Deployment Work Group has released a new report that outlines the opportunities and challenges for integrating power plants with carbon capture into the nation’s wholesale electricity markets. The State CO2-EOR Deployment Work Group works to expand carbon capture from power plants and industrial facilities for use in enhanced oil recovery with geologic storage (CO2-EOR). Continue reading »

News Release: State Work Group Releases New Report on Carbon Capture & Electricity Markets

June 27, 2017 in Carbon Management, News & Press Author: Patrice Lahlum

Press Release Graphic

WASHINGTON, DC – A multi-state group co-convened by Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and Montana Governor Steve Bullock released a new report today outlining the opportunities and challenges for integrating power plants with carbon capture into the nation’s wholesale electricity markets. The State CO2-EOR Deployment Work Group works to expand carbon capture from power plants and industrial facilities for use in enhanced oil recovery with geologic storage (CO2-EOR). Continue reading »