Grid congestion frustrates Minnesota renewable developers

GRID: Renewable energy developers say they are navigating a complex and congested electric grid in Minnesota to get their generation delivered to customers. (MPR News)

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ALSO: The Biden administration will require some cryptocurrency mining facilities to report their energy use based on grid concerns with the energy-intensive industry. (Inside Climate News)

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POLITICS: Illinois lawmakers who received campaign contributions from utilities deny a quid pro quo for supporting a new Illinois law that lifted the state’s moratorium on new nuclear plant construction. (Journal Star)

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POWER PLANTS: Union members rally in support of a proposed northern Wisconsin gas plant that has divided local residents and elected officials. (Northern News Now)

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Starting today, Minnesota residents can apply for a state electric vehicle rebate of up to $2,500 for a new vehicle and $600 for a used vehicle. (MPR News)
• Waning interest in Ford’s F-150 electric truck reflects a broader cooling market for electric vehicle sales, though experts still predict long-term demand to grow. (New York Times, NPR)
• Southeastern Wisconsin local officials approve plans for Rivian’s first service center in the state. (Milwaukee Business Journal, subscription)

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PIPELINES: Northern Iowa county officials share frustrations about not being reimbursed for pre-engineering and other site preparation activities related to a proposed carbon pipeline. (Globe Gazette)

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AIR POLLUTION: The Biden administration’s proposed limits on soot would result in cleaner industrial facilities, power plants and vehicles in Illinois, experts say. (Chicago Tribune, subscription)

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SOLAR: A developer plans 26 community solar projects averaging 3 MW in size that will feature pollinator habitats across Illinois. (PV Magazine)

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UTILITIES: Detroit-based DTE Energy’s CEO predicts the utility will need to build a large Michigan gas plant with carbon capture technology as part of its long-term generation mix. (Crain’s Detroit Business, subscription)

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COMMENTARY: A South Dakota landowner whose property includes a portion of the Dakota Access pipeline issues a warning about carbon pipelines that she says would similarly obstruct property rights. (South Dakota Searchlight)

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