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Midwest auto plants share in $1.7 billion EV funding boost

By Andy Balaskovitz

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES: The Biden administration announces $1.7 billion to retool or expand 11 auto plants in eight states for electric vehicle manufacturing, including $500 million for General Motors to convert a Michigan assembly plant. (Associated Press)

EMISSIONS: All five of Wisconsin’s major utilities are on track to meet emission-reduction targets by 2030 through coal plant retirements and clean energy, according to a draft report from state regulators. (WPR)

PIPELINES:

GRID: Iowa State University researchers land a $1 million federal grant to improve the performance of grid distribution transformers, which regulate voltage amounts from the distribution grid to homes. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

SOLAR:

  • Detroit’s city council postpones a vote and remains divided over a plan to build 200 acres of solar projects in six neighborhoods to offset the city’s power needs. (Planet Detroit)
  • Chevron starts construction on a 10-acre solar project at an Iowa biodiesel refinery that will provide nearly half of the facility’s power. (Globe Gazette)
  • The 400 MW first phase of a planned 1,300 MW solar project in Indiana is about to start operating. (PV Magazine)

NUCLEAR: The shuttered Three Mile Island nuclear plant, which experienced an infamous partial meltdown 45 years ago, is among a growing number of retired U.S. nuclear plants that could be recommissioned as power demand grows. (Washington Post)

BIOFUELS: Global commodity trader Cargill partners with Minnesota and North Dakota farmers to grow 2,000 acres of camelina, a potentially new cover crop for winter months that could also produce sustainable jet fuel. (Chicago Tribune)

CLIMATE: A new study linking urban heat islands with historically redlined communities in U.S. cities found less affluent neighborhoods in Minneapolis can get up to 8 degrees hotter than nearby areas. (WCCO)

COMMENTARY: A Michigan energy efficiency expert calls on state officials to enact strong efficiency standards for new data centers as power demand is expected to spike from artificial intelligence needs. (Planet Detroit)

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