Frank Jossi is an independent journalist and consultant based in St. Paul, Minnesota and a longtime contributor to Midwest Energy News. His articles have appeared in more than 50 publications, including Minnesota Monthly, Wired, the Los Angeles Times and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Jossi has also been a Humphrey policy fellow at the University of Minnesota, a Fulbright journalism teacher in Pakistan and Albania, and a program director of the World Press Institute at Macalester College.
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ENN
Federal incentives spur solar panel company to try onshoring its supply chain in Minnesota
Heliene, which assembles solar panel modules at a northern Minnesota factory, wants to be one of the first to manufacture domestic silicon solar cells, in partnership with an India-based supplier.By Frank Jossi .
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Virtual power plants
Xcel Minnesota looks to mimic power plants with solar and storage
The utility’s “virtual power plant” proposal taps an emerging model to replace retiring fossil fuel generation, but advocates say the devil is in the details.By Frank Jossi .
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A St. Paul, Minnesota Habitat for Humanity project will offer affordable housing without fossil fuels
The Heights, a 147-unit Habitat for Humanity development on a former golf course, expected to be one of the largest net-zero communities in the Midwest, will not include hookups for natural gas.By Frank Jossi .
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Software aims to help local governments standardize, streamline solar permitting
The Minnesota legislature budgeted money this year for the state energy office to develop training grants to help cities learn how to use the free software developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.By Frank Jossi .
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Solar
Minnesota creates new ombudsperson role to help connect solar faster
Solar developers have long complained about the state’s lengthy process for connecting to the grid. The ombudsperson will work to resolve disputes.By Frank Jossi .
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Minnesota solar rebate extension gives installers longer runway to reach lower-income customers
After a history of two-year renewals, state lawmakers extended funding for a rooftop solar rebate program through 2035, which industry leaders say will offer long-term financial certainty.By Frank Jossi .
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ENN
In Twin Cities and beyond, district energy systems see pressure to cut carbon emissions
The mostly hidden networks of insulated pipes connected to centralized heating and cooling equipment have long been championed for their efficiency, but government and corporate climate goals are forcing operators to look for ways to transition to clean energy.By Frank Jossi .
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Minnesota highway projects will need to consider climate impacts in planning
The state legislature expanded a 2023 law that will now require all major highway projects to account for and mitigate climate impacts before qualifying for state funding.By Frank Jossi .
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Minnesota advocates push for pause on utility shutoffs after study reveals racial disparities
A University of Minnesota analysis found customers in communities of color were more than three times as likely to have their service disconnected, even after accounting for differences in poverty and housing type.By Frank Jossi .
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Emissions reduction
Aza Power wants to swap diesel for ammonia in trucks, tractors, and more
If produced using renewable energy, ammonia could significantly reduce emissions from industrial applications.By Frank Jossi .
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