Energy policy discussions these days are dominated by talk of innovation on electric distribution systems. New clean energy technologies are developing so quickly it can be difficult to keep up with the relevant buzz-words; as digitization of the smart grid leads to rapid innovation, new distributed energy resources are causing disruptive challenges requiring electric utility and energy market reform. Continue reading »
This report is written primarily for Minnesota’s electric utility regulators, policymakers,
organizations representing ratepayers, and others who have a stake in the direction of
Minnesota’s future energy system, and includes specific recommendations for statutory
changes and regulatory action. Continue reading »
For this final blog post in our series on Demand Response (DR), GPI would like to present a map about demand response potential and utilization in the US. Continue reading »
We are pleased to announce the release of a new fact sheet series focused on demand response. As we’ve written about in previous posts, technologies enabling demand response (DR) are an important component of a clean energy system, and we currently have an underutilized DR asset in the Midwest. DR involves reducing or shifting customer energy usage when the system is stressed. This could be during periods of high energy demand with not enough supply like on a hot summer day, or periods of low demand with too much supply, like during a night when the wind is blowing strongly. Continue reading »
Positive Developments in the Search for the Holy Grail of Renewable Energy
November 17, 2014 in Energy Systems Author: Steve Dahlke
King Arthur and his loyal knights embark on an arduous, difficult quest to find the Holy Grail. Many perish along the way. After a multitude of trials and tribulations, they find the Grail is hidden in the Castle of “Aaargh!” That is at least how the story goes in the popular 1970’s British satire Monty Python and the Holy Grail (see here for the “Aaargh!” scene). Continue reading »
Patching Up the Seams: Reducing Regional Obstacles in Electricity
November 5, 2014 in Energy Systems Author: Steve Dahlke
Changes in federal law at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in the last decade have spurred evolution of the electricity sector away from local power systems and towards increasingly efficient regional interconnections. Expanding the market in this way has been beneficial – it allows the industry to take advantage of economies of scale while adapting to emerging technologies and environmental policies. Continue reading »
Summit Highlights: Champions of Transmission
October 13, 2014 in Energy Systems Author: Mike Gregerson
The NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis, IN recently congregated the “Champions of Transmission” for the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) 4th annual Transmission Summit.
The following details highlights from the presentations and dialogue at the Summit. Continue reading »
Germany’s Energiewende Requires New Electric Infrastructure
October 10, 2014 in Energy Systems Author: Steve Dahlke
Energiewende. This German word has been getting lots of attention in recent years. It translates to “Energy Transition,” and represents the country’s commitment to dramatically ramping up renewable energy and energy efficiency while phasing out nuclear power over the next few decades. The target is 80% electricity production from renewables by 2050. Being the world’s fourth largest economy, the rest of the world has taken notice – other nations are watching the German experiment closely as they also contemplate how to decarbonize their energy sectors. Continue reading »
New Minneapolis solar map shows PV suitability for every rooftop in town
August 7, 2014 in Energy Systems Author: Hannah Nesser
The Minneapolis Solar Suitability map is a red, orange, yellow, and grey patchwork of the city’s rooftops. Click on a colored building, and a text box appears, stating “This building has good solar potential!” and an estimate of the total kilowatt-hours of solar energy that the surface could generate each year. Continue reading »
Minnesota’s e21 Initiative Eyes a Sustainable, Carbon-Neutral Energy System for the Land of 10,000 Lakes
July 2, 2014 in Energy Systems Author: Rolf Nordstrom
Minnesota has a cultural tradition of being pragmatic, civic-minded, and passionate about bringing people together as the way to solve problems and create a better future. This predisposition toward civic dialogue and debate is just as true in the energy field and has made Minnesota an energy innovation leader. Continue reading »
