Access to utility energy data will play a critical role in the level of success communities achieve in shaping their energy future. That’s why the Great Plains Institute, with our partners and other stakeholders, identified opportunities to improve availability of electric utility data at the community-level and developed a data protocol as a resource for communities. Continue reading »
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The EV-olution Comes to Minnesota Communities
May 7, 2019 in Communities, Transportation & Fuels Author: Diana McKeown
Earlier this spring, 100 electric vehicle (EV) stakeholders gathered for a day-long event, “EV-olution: Charging Ahead with Electric Vehicles in Minnesota Communities,” held at the at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. The event brought together people from 35 cities, state agencies, all of Minnesota major electric utilities, and nonprofits working in the EV space to accelerate the transition to an electrified transportation system. Continue reading »
Federal 48A Tax Credit Reform Needed for the US to Maintain Global Carbon Capture Leadership and Reduce Emissions
May 1, 2019 in Carbon Management Author: Patrice Lahlum
At a time when the rapid construction of new coal-fired power plants in China, India, and other emerging economies is contributing to significant global emissions growth, it is essential that the US continues to lead the way in commercial deployment of technologies to manage carbon emissions from existing power plants. Continue reading »
Stakeholders Find Common Ground on Minnesota Power Time-Varying Rate Options
April 30, 2019 in Energy Systems Author: Trevor Drake
A recent stakeholder engagement process facilitated by the e21 Initiative (which is co-convened by the Great Plains Institute and Center for Energy and Environment) in collaboration with Minnesota Power proves that stakeholders can find agreement on rate designs that seek to elicit customer, system, and environmental benefits. Continue reading »
Waiting Game Continues: 45Q Carbon Capture Tax Credit Implementation Update
April 30, 2019 in Carbon Management Author: Patrice Lahlum
The clock is ticking. To qualify for the revamped 45Q carbon capture tax credit, a carbon capture project must begin construction by 2023—a very short time frame, especially for carbon capture projects that are capital intensive and have long lead times to develop, permit, and finance. Continue reading »
The Great Plains Institute Names Chief Operating Officer
April 24, 2019 in News & Press Author: Gail Nosek
After an extensive national search, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) has named Deborah Karasov as its new Chief Operating Officer. Deborah brings nearly 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the newly created role which will further enable GPI to advance its time-critical mission to transform the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. Continue reading »
CEO Rolf Nordstrom Joins Energy Systems Integration Group’s Advisory Council
April 23, 2019 in News & Press Author: Jennifer Christensen
At the invitation of Great Plains Institute (GPI) Board Chair Will Kaul, GPI President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom will join the new Advisory Council for the Energy Systems Integration Group, which works to chart the future of energy systems integration and operations. Continue reading »
Minnesota’s Legislature at a Crossroads – Accelerate the Benefits of Electric Vehicles in the State or Hit the Brakes
April 16, 2019 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Brendan Jordan
Minnesota’s emerging electric vehicle (EV) industry is at an important pivot point. After years of effort by many people and organizations, the conditions are right for growth in EV adoption with the numerous economic and clean air benefits that come with it. This is an update on the status of EV proposals currently in play at the Minnesota Legislature. Continue reading »
How Should Xcel Energy’s Electric Utility Performance be Measured? Report Summarizes Initial Perspectives
April 13, 2019 in Energy Systems Author: Trevor Drake
A recent report summarizes initial stakeholder perspectives around what should be measured to assess Xcel Energy’s electric utility performance in the 21st century. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is accepting initial comments on this matter until May 6.
Continue reading »
Letter to Congress: Carbon Capture Coalition Calls for Increased Federal Funding
April 10, 2019 in Carbon Management, News & Press Author: Jennifer Christensen
The Carbon Capture Coalition, which is co-convened by GPI, recently sent a letter asking members of Congress to support continued robust federal funding for research, development, and demonstration of carbon capture, utilization, storage, and removal technologies and applications as they consider appropriations for the FY 2020 Omnibus. The letter to congressional appropriators was sent on behalf of the more than 60 companies, unions, and energy and agricultural organizations in the Coalition together with their partners.
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