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Value of Utility-Owned Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Highlighted in DTE Rate Case

June 13, 2019 in Energy Systems Author: Jamie Scripps

A worker machining a piece of a car body

The Michigan Public Service Commission recently approved DTE Energy’s request to develop a 34 MW combined heat and power (CHP) plant on the campus of Ford Motor Company’s Research and Engineering Center.¹ This project highlights how ownership of CHP facilities can be a valuable option in a utility’s resource planning and can bring economic and environmental benefits for the utility and its customers over the long term. Due to their size, high efficiency, and grid benefits, utility-owned CHP projects likely offer a better deal to ratepayers than the construction of traditional central power stations.   Continue reading »

Why the Announcement of the World’s Largest Direct Air Capture Project is a Big Deal

June 12, 2019 in Carbon Management Author: Jennifer Christensen

A presentation at the co2nnect conference

Direct air capture (DAC) technology generates a mix of excitement, skepticism, and optimism as first-mover projects come online, from Iceland to the US. The technology captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from ambient air, which is then used to create products of economic value or stored geologically, thereby removing CO2 from the atmosphere.  Continue reading »

Legislative Outcome on Electric Vehicles in Minnesota—Going Forward by Not Going Backward

June 11, 2019 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Brendan Jordan

Two people talking about electric  vehicles in view of the Minnesota State Capitol

We communicated a great deal about electric vehicle (EV) bills in the Minnesota legislature this year given their potential to shape the trajectory of EV adoption in the state. Some of the proposals would have increased EV adoption and infrastructure while others would have put up barriers. Minnesota’s legislature officially adjourned on May 20 and then completed its work in a short special session a few days later. So, what happened on EVs?  Continue reading »

Electrifying the Family Road Trip

June 10, 2019 in Energy Systems, Transportation & Fuels Author: Gail Nosek

Two kids playing in front of a charging tesla

The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects 100 million Americans and more than 50 percent of families to pack up the car for a road trip this summer (even more than last year). 

In Minnesota, the popular trip ‘Up North’ to Lake Superior is the first to go fully electric with the Interstate 35 corridor now boasting enough chargers to power any electric vehicle (EV) from the Twin Cities to Duluth. Historic Highway 61, made famous by Bob Dylan’s acoustics, is also now electrified with chargers located near popular recreational and historic stops.  Continue reading »

Combined Heat and Power’s (CHP) Reliability Recognized in Recent Actions by Midwestern Regulators and Utilities

June 3, 2019 in Energy Systems Author: Jamie Scripps

 

Duct workRecent regulatory decisions in Michigan and other Midwestern states indicate a growing recognition of combined heat and power (CHP) facilities’ demonstrated reliability. The decisions impact the rates and fees charged to CHP systems due to their potential need for standby service (i.e., backup service) and are important steps toward increasefinancial viability of CHP facilities in the region. As other states look to encourage CHP facilities, these recent actions can provide examples of aligning rates and fees more closely to actual CHP performance.  Continue reading »

Why Electric Vehicle Taxes Are the Wrong Strategy for Minnesota

May 8, 2019 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Brendan Jordan

Minnesota Capitol

Minnesota lawmakers are considering additional new taxes and fees to electric vehicle (EV) owners. If passed as written, Minnesota would have the highest EV taxes in the US. Currently, the state assesses a special $75 annual tax that is only paid by owners of fully-electric vehicles. A bill by Senator Jeff Howe proposed to raise this tax to $250 per year and add a new tax of $125 for hybrid vehicles. Continue reading »

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