The third case study is now available from a groundbreaking project to establish the first science-based stormwater and water quality standards for solar farms. The Great Plains Institute is helping lead the Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT) project along with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Fresh Energy, and the University of Minnesota. PV-SMaRT is funded by the US Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology office. Continue reading »
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The Race to Expand Electric Transmission in America Has Finally Begun
August 1, 2022 in Energy Systems Author: Matt Prorok
The recent approval of a slate of long-range transmission lines in the Midwest moves the US closer to realizing a reliable, resilient grid for a net-zero carbon economy. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Board of Directors unanimously approved the $10.3 billion grid expansion that will increase grid reliability, lower system costs, and remove barriers to renewable energy projects waiting for grid interconnection. Continue reading »
Moaz Uddin Answers WCCO’s Good Question: “Does Getting an Electric Vehicle Make Financial Sense?”
July 12, 2022 in News & Press, Transportation & Fuels Author: Jennifer Christensen
GPI Electric Vehicle Policy Specialist Moaz Uddin recently answered WCCO 4 News’s question, “Does getting an electric vehicle make financial sense?” Part of the CBS station’s “Good Question” series, the show helped answer this common question for people looking at electric vehicles in the face of high gas prices. Uddin breaks down the numbers for how electric vehicles can save consumers money over time. Continue reading »
Hydrogen has the potential to play a vital role in the clean energy transition. Due to its versatility, hydrogen can help tackle critical energy challenges and meet midcentury climate goals. It can reduce emissions in areas where other solutions like electrification, energy efficiency, or renewables are infeasible. This post will explain basic facts about hydrogen, including its important role in decarbonization and different production methods. Continue reading »
These are challenging times, which makes it even more important that people of goodwill lean in, and act. Continue reading »
Ensuring DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations Supports Innovative Technologies
June 28, 2022 in Carbon Management Author: Melie Ekunno
Commercial demonstrations are key to de-risking energy technologies so that the marketplace can begin adopting them. Created and funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations is expected to select and manage many large-scale demonstration and pilot projects. Continue reading »
Coalition Releases Framework for Including Farm-Level Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Clean Fuels Policies
June 2, 2022 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Carolyn Berninger
A Midwestern Clean Fuels Policy Initiative committee has developed a framework for designing Midwestern clean fuels policies to incorporate farm-level emissions. The framework includes recommendations for quantifying emissions from energy and fertilizer use on farms and accounting for soil organic carbon storage. Continue reading »
Statement: GPI Applauds DOE’s SolSmart Program Expansion to Increase Clean Energy Access
June 1, 2022 in Communities, Renewable Energy Authors: Brian Ross, Jennifer Christensen
The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced two awardees for managing an expansion of the SolSmart program over five years to “increase solar deployment and expand access to clean energy.” The $10 million dollar award is shared by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and the International City/County Management Association. Continue reading »
Q&A: Abby Finis Reflects on Local Climate Action Planning Progress
May 26, 2022 in Communities Author: Jennifer Christensen
Abby Finis has been a recognized leader in local climate action and renewable energy development in the Midwest. In her recent years at GPI, she worked with cities like Saint Paul, Duluth, and Red Wing in Minnesota and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to develop local climate action plans. And she’s developed an innovative approach that focuses on near-term action through Climate Action Work Plans. Continue reading »
PV-SMaRT Demonstrates Stormwater Benefits of Solar: Plains, GA
April 27, 2022 in Communities Author: Rebecca Heisel
Photo courtesy of Jill Stuckey
The second case study is now available from a groundbreaking project to establish the first science-based stormwater and water quality standards for solar farms. The Great Plains Institute is helping lead the Photovoltaic Stormwater Management Research and Testing (PV-SMaRT) project along with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Fresh Energy, and the University of Minnesota. PV-SMaRT is funded by the US Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology office. Continue reading »
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