MidAmerican Energy to consider small nuclear’s potential

NUCLEAR:
• MidAmerican Energy officials seek to research the potential of small modular nuclear plants to help provide a low-carbon balance to intermittent renewable energy. (Iowa City Press-Citizen)
• Purdue University and Duke Energy partner on a new lecture series exploring the potential for small modular nuclear reactors. (WBIW)

SOLAR:
• A 200 MW solar project in southwestern Indiana would incorporate what would be the largest pollinator garden in the county. (The Republic)
• An Indiana power supply cooperative considers plans for a 2 MW solar project to help a city diversify its electricity mix. (Kokomo Tribune)
• Construction is expected to move forward soon on a pair of Wisconsin solar projects totaling 150 MW. (Daily Citizen)

WIND:
• North Dakota regulators this week will hold a public hearing on a proposed $390 million wind project in the southern part of the state. (Bismarck Tribune)
• A developer breaks ground on a 110 MW wind project in southwestern Minnesota, with construction expected to take roughly six months. (The Globe)

GRID:
• Significant erosion along the Wild Rice River in eastern North Dakota prompts concerns about the viability of nearby power lines. (Inforum)
• Ameren Illinois considers plans for a local transmission line southwest of Chicago to help improve the area’s electric reliability. (WCMY)
• Transmission planners and grid experts say time is running out to build the grid infrastructure needed to combat the worst effects of climate change. (RTO Insider, subscription)

UTILITIES: Utility executives say they are prepared to lead the clean energy transition despite inflation and supply chain issues slowing down renewable energy projects. (E&E News)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Michigan’s top economic development official says the state is preparing for a future with more electrified transportation. (CBS Detroit)

EFFICIENCY: Consumer advocates say some customers will fall through the cracks of Evergy’s proposed energy efficiency program by not qualifying for low-income assistance while being unable to afford upgrades. (KCUR)

COMMENTARY: Ohio municipalities should renew considerations for publicly owned utilities, which could better plan for future outages and avoid major corruption scandals, a columnist writes. (Columbus Underground)