As 2016 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at what we’ve accomplished alongside our partners, stakeholders, and supporters over the last year. Continue reading »
The Great Plains Institute clan (and our projects) has grown a lot this year, and wow, have we been busy! We’re sure you have wondered, “What’s all the hustle and bustle over there?” This holiday letter is meant to celebrate some of our successes of the last year, so let’s look back: Continue reading »
Battery Tour Shows Minnesota Stakeholders a Cleaner, Quieter Future for the Electric System
December 19, 2016 in Energy Systems Author: Matt Prorok
In November, GPI organized a tour for Minnesota utilities and members of the Minnesota Energy Storage Alliance of Indianapolis Power & Light’s (IPL’s) Harding Street Station Battery Energy Storage System, or HSS BESS. The HSS BESS is a state-of-the-art, 20MW energy storage facility connected to IPL’s transmission system. Continue reading »
Michigan Legislature Finally Reaches Agreement on Energy Policy Package
December 16, 2016 in Energy Systems Author: Amanda Bilek
*This post is co-authored with Jamie Scripps of 5 Lakes Energy*
After nearly two years of hearings, countless substitute bills, and intense negotiations the Michigan legislature finally approved two pieces of legislation that overhaul and update Michigan’s energy policy. Continue reading »
e21 Initiative Issues New Report
December 9, 2016 in Energy Systems, Reports & Whitepapers Author: Doug Scott
The diverse set of e21 stakeholders have reached another milestone, concluding Phase II of their work with the release of three white papers addressing key issues in Minnesota’s energy future. The phase II report is intended as a cohesive package, with each white paper relating to and supporting the other three. Continue reading »
News Release: Minnesota’s e21 Initiative Releases Report on Framework for a 21st Century Electric System
December 8, 2016 in Energy Systems, News & Press
MINNEAPOLIS – The Great Plains Institute (GPI) and the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) released a new report today detailing additional steps for Minnesota to protect the public interest by taking full advantage of a cleaner electric system and more customer-centric utility regulatory framework. Continue reading »
The e21 Initiative developed its phase I report on a consensus basis; the ideas and recommendations in in the report were intended as a cohesive package to be taken together and supported as a whole by the e21 stakeholders. Consensus did not mean that each participant is equally enthusiastic about every idea, and, importantly, consensus did not require participants to give up their right to object to future implementation details. Continue reading »
Minnesota Solar Pathways Grant to Advance Solar Energy Progress
December 6, 2016 in Communities, Energy Systems Author: Brian Ross
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has been awarded a $2 million grant that will help realize Minnesota’s goal of generating 10 percent of its electricity from the sun by 2030. Continue reading »
The Time is Now for Carbon Capture Incentives
December 4, 2016 in Carbon Management Author: Brad Crabtree
*The post originally appeared in the Grand Forks Herald as an opinion piece.
Our region’s coal and electric power industry stands at a crossroads. Low-cost natural gas, declining costs of renewable energy, and shifts in consumer and industry preferences toward lower emission technologies are transforming our energy economy. Fossil fuels contribute to energy security, affordability and reliability. Thanks to technology, they can also play an important role in a low-carbon energy future. Continue reading »
Press Release: 14-State Work Group Releases Federal and State Recommendations on Carbon Capture
December 2, 2016 in Carbon Management, News & Press
MINNEAPOLIS – Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and Montana Governor Steve Bullock, along with colleagues and officials in 12 other states, released a new report today outlining growing opportunities for capturing carbon dioxide for use in enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) with geologic storage. Continue reading »
