We’re proud to share with you that the Great Plains Institute (GPI) earned our third consecutive four-star rating in 2017 from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most-used charity evaluator. Continue reading »
The Better Energy Community is constantly growing and evolving.
Read about our latest projects and successes on our blog.
GPI Welcomes Gail Nosek as Communications Director
January 19, 2018 in News & Press Author: Rolf Nordstrom
I am thrilled to welcome Gail Nosek as the Great Plains Institute’s (GPI) communications director. Gail brings significant strategic communications, public relations, social media, and multi-media journalism experience that makes her an excellent fit to lead GPI’s communications as we celebrate our 20th anniversary and look to our next 20 years of transforming the energy system. Continue reading »
Batteries & the Grid: Three Things to Know from the Latest EIA Data
January 10, 2018 in Energy Systems Authors: Matt Prorok, Mike Gregerson
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) recent article titled, “Today in energy: batteries perform many different functions on the power grid,” features new data on the progress of utility-scale batteries and a helpful breakdown of the roles such batteries can play on the power grid. Continue reading »
GreenStep Cities: January Workshop
January 5, 2018 in Communities, Transportation & Fuels Author: Abby Finis
The January GreenStep Cities workshop focused on electric vehicle (EV) readiness, with discussions on the benefits and adoption of EVs, electric vehicle fleets, and success stories. Continue reading »
Over the past year, we’ve shared stories, news, and publications on our work to transform the energy system. These stories highlight the impact that GPI and our partners make at the local, regional, and national level toward better energy. Continue reading »
Workshop Focuses on Energy Policy Trends in America’s Heartland
December 22, 2017 in Energy Systems Authors: Doug Scott, Jill Syvrud
Important issues in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) were the focus of “Powering the Plains and Beyond: Energy Policy in America’s Heartland,” a workshop held in Austin, TX on December 11, 2017. Organized by the Great Plains Institute, this workshop gathered panels of experts to examine energy development and trends within the fourteen states in the SPP footprint and the potential expansion of SPP in the future. Continue reading »
Capturing and Utilizing CO2 from Ethanol: Adding Economic Value and Jobs to Rural Economies and Communities While Reducing Emissions
December 21, 2017 in Carbon Management, Reports & Whitepapers Author: Brad Crabtree
The State CO2-EOR Deployment Work Group has released a new report that explores the opportunities and potential for expanded energy production, economic development and emissions reductions from capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) from ethanol production. The State CO2-EOR Deployment Work Group works to expand carbon capture from power plants and industrial facilities, such as ethanol plants, for use in enhanced oil recovery with geologic storage (CO2-EOR). Continue reading »
Press Release: Bipartisan, Governor-Led State Work Group Releases First-of-its-Kind Report On Carbon Capture & Ethanol
December 21, 2017 in Carbon Management, News & Press Author: Brad Crabtree
WASHINGTON, DC – A multi-state group convened by Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and Montana Governor Steve Bullock released a new, first-of-its-kind report today exploring the opportunities and potential for expanded energy production, economic development and emissions reductions from capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) from ethanol production. Continue reading »
Solar Energy & Communities: Unlocking Economic Benefits by Putting a Value on Solar Resources
December 12, 2017 in Communities Author: Brian Ross
What if communities could put an economic value on their local solar resource potential? What if local decision makers could consider this value in the same way as other local resources that drive growth and local investment? Continue reading »
The December GreenStep Cities workshop focused on benchmarking for wastewater treatment. After an introduction by GPI’s Abby Finis, the discussion covered the value of benchmarking wastewater treatment, Jon Vanyo, C.E.M., Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (23:50),and Benchmarking Wastewater Treatment Plants, Cheri Schneider (40:19). The workshop concluded with case studies on Energy Reduction Analysis at New Prague Wastewater Treatment Facility, Scott Werner, MNtap (1:11:08), and The Value of Using Benchmarking for Wastewater and City Operations, Tracy Holdel, City of St. Cloud. Continue reading »
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