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 »
Demand Response: An Underutilized Asset in the Midwest
March 19, 2014 in Energy Systems Author: Steve Dahlke
Imagine yourself lying on a warm beach, maybe in Hawaii, a Mai Tai in one hand and a good book in the other. Once you’ve caught enough rays you take a stroll back to your comfortable air-conditioned hotel where you relax some more. Continue reading »
Unexpected Agreement Reached on Power Plant Regulation
January 16, 2014 in Energy Systems Authors: Brad Crabtree, Franz Litz
Acting on a directive from the President, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently developing draft federal regulations to guide states in reducing carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants under the Clean Air Act. States will use the federal guidelines to devise plans that take into consideration state-specific and regional concerns. Continue reading »
The Future of Minnesota’s Electric Utilities: The Sequel
November 27, 2013 in Energy Systems Authors: Mike Bull, Rolf Nordstrom
Environmental Initiative’s recent policy forum on “The future of Minnesota’s Electric Utilities” drew a block-buster crowd—you would have thought they were giving away free beer. Especially for a topic as potentially dry and esoteric as the future of electric utilities, one would have expected a much smaller crowd and the deafening sound of crickets. But the meeting room overlooking the iconic Como Zoo was packed and humming with conversation. Continue reading »
The U.S. electricity system is in a period of rapid change, and you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who disagrees. We have a grid in need of significant updates, given the 21st century policy and business demands confronting the electric power industry. Continue reading »
