Road Map to Decarbonization in the Midcontinent’s Electricity Sector Released

July 24, 2018 in Carbon Management, Energy Systems, News & Press, Reports & Whitepapers Author: Gail Nosek

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2018

Stakeholders Release First-of-its-Kind Road Map to Decarbonization for Midcontinent Power Sector

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A diverse set of stakeholders from across the U.S. Midcontinent region have released a road map to identify possible routes toward decarbonization of the region’s electricity sector by Midcentury. The Midcontinent Power Sector Collaborative (MPSC) developed the road map to help guide industry and regulators as they make decisions about how to meet the region’s electricity needs while reducing carbon emissions. The full road map as well as an interactive website outlining its findings are available at roadmap.betterenergy.org.

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White Paper: Electric Vehicles Have Potential to Transform the Grid with Previously Unrealized Benefits in the Midcontinent

April 23, 2018 in Energy Systems, News & Press, Reports & Whitepapers, Transportation & Fuels Author: Gail Nosek

 

White Paper Electric Vehicles Have Potential to Transform the Grid with Previously Unrealized Benefits in the Midcontinent

The continuing surge in electric vehicle (EV) use has utilities looking to future impacts on the existing grid structure. Now, a unique consortium of stakeholders has released a white paper that shows that grid transformation can not only meet EV demand, but it can simultaneously benefit utility customers, the economy, and the environment. Continue reading »

Solar Toolkits

March 10, 2018 in Communities, Reports & Whitepapers Author: Brian Ross

As part of the Grow Solar Partnership, toolkits have been assembled to equip local governments in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois with information regarding solar development as it relates to planning, zoning, and permitting. The toolkits were created in 2016, then model ordinances are being updated in 2020 to reflect new best practices and lessons learned since 2016. Minnesota and Iowa are updated and Illinois and Wisconsin are in process, with ordinance for Indiana and Michigan under development. The purpose of these toolkits is to provide resources that will assist communities in addressing barriers to solar energy installations in a manner tailored to each community’s needs. Continue reading »

Capturing and Utilizing CO2 from Ethanol: Adding Economic Value and Jobs to Rural Economies and Communities While Reducing Emissions

December 21, 2017 in Carbon Management, Reports & Whitepapers Author: Brad Crabtree

Ethanol plant and related carbon capture images on report cover

The State CO2-EOR Deployment Work Group has released a new report that explores the opportunities and potential for expanded energy production, economic development and emissions reductions from capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) from ethanol production. The State CO2-EOR Deployment Work Group works to expand carbon capture from power plants and industrial facilities, such as ethanol plants, for use in enhanced oil recovery with geologic storage (CO2-EOR). Continue reading »

Understanding the Interaction between Regional Electricity Markets and State Policies

November 29, 2017 in Reports & Whitepapers Author: Franz Litz

Regional Electricity Markets Factsheet Cover

Regional electricity markets—operated by regional transmission organizations (RTOs)— span multiple states and bring significant benefits to the electricity grid. States policies—such as renewable or clean energy portfolio standards or procurement mandates—have always helped shape market outcomes, but increasingly they are aimed at addressing perceived market shortcomings. Continue reading »

The Impact of Wind Generation on Wholesale Electricity Prices in the Midcontinent Market: And Empirical Investigation

September 19, 2017 in Reports & Whitepapers Author: Steve Dahlke

Impact Wind Generation Cover

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, known as MISO, is the second largest organized competitive wholesale electricity market in the U.S., serving 14 states with over 180 gigawatts of generation capacity, encompassing 6,427 generating units, and 65,800 miles of transmission lines. (FERC, 2017) Wholesale electricity prices in MISO have decreased over the past several years, as both natural gas prices have fallen and as large amounts of wind generation capacity have been added. 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 »

President and Congress to Include Carbon Capture Projects & Pipelines in National Infrastructure Plan

April 20, 2017 in Carbon Management, Reports & Whitepapers

Capitol Graphic

Today, companies and organizations that the Great Plains Institute works with jointly released a list of carbon capture projects and CO2 pipelines in a broader national infrastructure initiative and portfolio of projects, together with extension and reform of the Section 45Q tax credit and adoption of tax-exempt private activity bonds and other financial incentives to support carbon capture deployment. Continue reading »

21st Century Energy Infrastructure: Policy Recommendations for Development of American CO2 Pipeline Networks

February 22, 2017 in Carbon Management, Reports & Whitepapers

21st Century Energy Infrastructure Cover

The State CO2-EOR Deployment Work Group recommends that President Trump and Congress incorporate the development of long-distance, large-volume carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines as a priority component of a broader national infrastructure agenda. The state officials, industry leaders and other experts in the Work Group launched their work in 2015 with the development and deployment of carbon capture and CO2 pipeline infrastructure as a top priority. Thus, Work Group members and participating states support the Administration and Congress’ new focus on our nations’ infrastructure, and they would welcome the opportunity to be partners in this effort. Continue reading »