Biogas growth may compound worker risks

BIOGAS: Critics fear the anticipated growth in biogas production following federal incentives will place farm workers at even greater risk with few federal protections from job hazards. (Civil Eats/​Energy News Network)

HYDROELECTRIC:
• Consumers Energy starts a public engagement process over the future of 13 hydroelectric dams in Michigan, which produce relatively little power at a premium but have economic benefits for communities. (Bridge Michigan)
• A northern Wisconsin hydroelectric dam leaks 175 gallons of hydraulic oil into the surrounding river. (WQOW)

PIPELINES:
• One of the companies seeking to build a multi-state carbon capture pipeline through the Midwest has paid about $200 million to landowners willing to lease their property for the project. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
• The same company has sued an Iowa county for attempting to impose public safety regulations that the company argues are under federal jurisdiction. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

WIND:
• A developer commits to buying 50 turbines for a planned Illinois wind project that still hasn’t received local approval. (Journal-Republican)
• Some local officials raise concerns about the ability to track weather if radar is disrupted by a proposed 50- to 60-turbine wind project in central Illinois. (WICS)

NUCLEAR: The owner of a recently closed southwestern Michigan nuclear plant expects to hear by the end of the year whether it will receive federal funding to reactivate the plant. (Reuters)

SOLAR:
• An Iowa municipal utility, along with multiple large industrial customers, agree to purchase power from a forthcoming 24 MW solar project. (KWQC)
• An onsite solar installation will offset roughly one-third of a Kansas school district’s electricity use. (Solar Power World)

CLIMATE: Nine in 10 U.S. counties have experienced a climate change-fueled weather disaster over the past decade, according to a new report from a climate adaptation group. (Grist)

GRID:
• State energy regulators urge grid operator PJM to adopt a ​“circuit breaker” to prevent energy prices from skyrocketing during emergency grid events such as extreme weather or cyber attacks. (Utility Dive)
• Ameren plans a 10- to 15-mile transmission line in central Illinois aimed at boosting local grid reliability. (WCBU)

OIL & GAS:
• North Dakota oil production increased 4% while gas production increased 2.8% in September, rebounding from a downturn earlier this year. (Star Tribune)
• Wisconsin frac sand mining companies see an uptick in demand from oil and gas drillers after weathering a major downturn in 2020 and 2021. (Wisconsin Public Radio)

COAL: A theatrical performance based on researchers’ interviews with local residents, school administrators and government officials will capture one Ohio community’s transition from coal. (Coshocton Tribune)

COMMENTARY: A Minneapolis business advocate says clean energy and transmission investments are ​“critical to our state’s economic growth and reliable power as the demand for electricity increases.” (Duluth News Tribune)