A recent expansion of Minneapolis’ Green Cost Share Program to solar energy projects, with a priority placed on those in Green Zones, has led to significant investments in solar projects in the city that will contribute to increased economic development and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Continue reading »
The Better Energy Community is constantly growing and evolving.
Read about our latest projects and successes on our blog.
Minnesota Releases a Vision for an Electric Vehicle Future
February 14, 2019 in News & Press, Transportation & Fuels Author: Gail Nosek
The Great Plains Institute collaborated with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on the newly released vision for the future of electric vehicles in the state.
GPI 20th Anniversary Leadership Interview Series: Vice President Doug Scott, Electricity and Efficiency
February 12, 2019 in Energy Systems Author: Gail Nosek
Over the last year, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) celebrated our 20th anniversary as an organization dedicated to transforming the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. As GPI staff, partners, and supporters reflect on the progress we’ve made together and look ahead to future opportunities for even greater impact in 2019 and beyond, we’re sharing a Q&A series we’ve created with our CEO and program leadership team. Continue reading »
GPI Staff Picks for Winter 2019: What We’re Reading, Listening To, and Watching
February 11, 2019 in Communities, Energy Systems Author: Jennifer Christensen
This is a regular blog series where GPI staff share picks throughout the year of what we’re interested in right now, from podcasts to analysis (click here for our previous picks).
Marking One Year Since the Landmark Passage of the 45Q Tax Credit for Carbon Capture
February 8, 2019 in Carbon Management Author: Jennifer Christensen
This week we’re marking the one-year anniversary since the passage of legislation to expand and reform a critical tax credit for carbon capture and storage projects, known as 45Q. The legislation was passed through the larger budget bill on February 9, 2018, and was originally introduced as the FUTURE Act. Continue reading »
Stakeholders Release “A Road Map to Decarbonization in the Midcontinent: Transportation Electrification”
January 24, 2019 in News & Press, Reports & Whitepapers, Transportation & Fuels Author: Gail Nosek
CHICAGO, IL- A diverse coalition of stakeholders has developed a first-of-its-kind road map to illustrate how electric vehicles (EVs) can cut carbon and other harmful pollution while bringing many other important benefits to the Midcontinent region. With the transportation sector representing the largest emitting sector in the U.S. economy, EVs are essential to tackling the decarbonization challenge. Continue reading »
I’m excited to welcome Jessi Wyatt to the Great Plains Institute team as an associate energy planner and analyst. In her role, Jessi will provide technical and analytical support to a variety of projects and programs with a focus on local energy and climate action planning and geospatial analysis. Jessi will also assist with carbon capture and storage modeling and with strategic mapping for policy initiatives, including transportation electrification. Continue reading »
Ride-Sharing with Electric Vehicles Brings Benefits to Drivers and Consumers
January 17, 2019 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Joe Cella
This is an exciting time in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Tesla just posted a profit for the first time, Volkswagen is helping to build up charging infrastructure across North America, and many other auto manufacturers are committing to an EV future. EVs are gaining traction and slowly transforming car-based mobility in the United States. And here in the central US, momentum is growing with collaborative efforts to drive EV adoption and infrastructure development. Continue reading »
We’re grateful for the incredible support we received over the last year as people invested in expanding the Great Plains Institute’s impact by helping us succeed in meeting two challenge matches. Continue reading »
System Design for a High-Renewables Future: Insights from the MN Solar Pathways Analysis
January 14, 2019 in Communities, Energy Systems Author: Brian Ross
If sunlight strikes a solar panel, but we don’t use the electricity generated, is it “wasted”? In some parts of the country, so much solar energy is produced at midday that there is no use for it. Demand for electricity has already been fully met by solar and other sources of generation; the value of additional electricity on the grid is actually negative. Continue reading »
Our Newsletter
Sign Up for Better Energy Community News
Sign up to receive the latest news and announcements from the Great Plains Institute.
