The Big Lake agrivoltaics project in Minnesota, led by US Solar in partnership with The Food Group, NREL, Connexus Energy, and GPI, demonstrates how renewable energy can coexist with sustainable agriculture to benefit communities.
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Communities as a Lever for Progress on Clean Energy
December 18, 2024 in Communities Author: Lola SchoenrichTo achieve clean energy goals across the US, communities of all types and sizes must be part of the collective solution. While federal policies and programs provide critical support, the work of communities is the foundation of continuing sustained progress and realizing the numerous benefits of the clean energy transition at the local level. Continue reading »
Impact Investing Pioneer, Christa Velasquez, Joins GPI’s Board of Directors
December 11, 2024 in News & Press Author: Drew HenryExperienced nonprofit and philanthropic executive adds unique leadership to the board
MINNEAPOLIS – The Great Plains Institute (GPI) announced today that Christa Velasquez, a distinguished pioneer in philanthropic impact investing, has joined its board of directors. Velasquez brings over 25 years of experience in impact investing and philanthropic grantmaking to underinvested communities. She is currently consulting with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and is also a lecturer at the University of Chicago, educating the next generation of talent devoted to the common good. Continue reading »
Overcoming Barriers to Electric Vehicle Adoption in Underserved Communities
December 10, 2024 in Communities Author: Mackenzie LoveAs electric vehicles become a vital part of the transportation landscape, it is crucial to ensure that communities are equipped to effectively implement electric vehicle infrastructure. For communities with fewer resources, especially those that are smaller and rural, additional support is essential to ensure they have the capacity to develop this infrastructure. Continue reading »
Navigating Change: How GPI Facilitated Collaborative Solutions for Craig Station’s Retirement
December 9, 2024 in Energy Systems Authors: Amy Ward, Trevor DrakeA successful and equitable energy transition cannot be achieved without supporting the communities that have powered our economy for over a century by hosting essential fossil fuel infrastructure. Across the United States, dozens of coal-fired power plants have been retired in the shift to cleaner, more affordable sources of energy, and dozens more are scheduled to retire by the end of the decade. Continue reading »
Minnesota Adopts Gas Utility Integrated Resource Planning
November 7, 2024 in Energy Systems Authors: Hannah Dobie, Trevor DrakeOn October 28, 2024, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MN PUC) approved a new framework that requires the state’s three largest gas utilities to conduct long-term planning with public participation and commission approval. The approved framework adds to Minnesota’s status as a state that is leading the effort in in making gas utility system planning more robust and transparent. Continue reading »
The Great Plains Institute announced today that Charles Hua, founder and executive director of PowerLines and former U.S. Department of Energy advisor, has joined its board. With roots in the Midwest, Hua is a rising star in energy and the clean energy transition, internationally recognized for his leadership on grid modernization, clean energy policy and sustainability. Continue reading »
Advancing Low-Impact Solar Development on Brownfields
October 14, 2024 in Renewable Energy Authors: Brian Ross, Dreek MorganRapid development of distributed (small-scale) and large-scale solar energy projects is essential to accelerating the transition to net-zero carbon emissions in a way that delivers equitable, broad benefits to communities. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory and others have demonstrated there are ample suitable lands to achieve ambitious large-scale solar deployment goals, enough to power millions of homes annually. Continue reading »
Analysis Shows a Minnesota Clean Transportation Standard Would Support Electrification
October 11, 2024 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Carolyn BerningerMinnesota is one of a few Midwestern states considering clean transportation standard (CTS) legislation to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels used in the transportation sector. Similar bills are also under consideration in Michigan and Illinois. If passed, a CTS would build upon Minnesota’s recent commitment to 100 percent clean electricity and secure the state’s position as a regional and national clean energy leader. Recent analysis shows how such a policy could drive investment in and adoption of clean fuels in Minnesota, including by supporting the deployment of more electric vehicles. Continue reading »
Gearing Up for Round 2 of the Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grant Program
October 8, 2024 in Energy Systems Author: Matt ProrokRound two of the federal Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grant Program is approaching. This fall, GPI is gearing up to support communities with their applications, building on our work with successful applicants in round one. Continue reading »
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