Minneapolis resident shows promise of heat pumps in cold climates

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ELECTRIFICATION

A Minneapolis resident’s transition from gas-powered heating to an electric heat pump proves that the technology works in cold climates, limiting fossil fuels in homes while lowering bills. (Canary Media)

PIPELINES

• The federal government took over regulatory control of Missouri’s gas pipeline system last month after state lawmakers failed to stiffen penalties for operators violating safety standards. (Missouri Independent)

• Ameren Illinois is investing $140 million to replace dated gas pipelines and comply with federal guidelines. (Daily Energy Insider)

SOLAR

Illinois was among the leaders as the U.S. installed a record-breaking amount of community solar projects in 2024 with a 35% increase over 2023, though federal policy uncertainty could hinder long-term growth. (Solar Power World)

FINANCE

• The Trump administration is trying to cancel a national green bank program that provides loans for clean energy projects and previously had bipartisan support from lawmakers across the country. (Grist)

• Some recipients of the $20 billion in climate grants through the green bank were unable to access their accounts on Wednesday. (E&E News, subscription)

COAL

Ohio ratepayers have now spent $679 million over the past decade in fees to cover losses on two unprofitable coal plants, including $172 million in 2024 alone. (Cleveland.com)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

A metro Detroit electric vehicle battery maker will lay off 188 workers and shift production to a plant in South Carolina as financing challenges continue for battery startups. (Detroit Free Press)

CLEAN ENERGY

A Minneapolis startup uses abundant raw materials to produce permanent magnets that are used in a variety of clean energy technologies. (WCCO)

BIOGAS

Investments in U.S. projects that use biogas grew 40% in 2024 over the previous year while the number of new biogas facilities that came online increased 17% in that time, signaling ongoing interest in the sector, advocates say. (Waste Dive)

COMMENTARY

• Brownfields, rooftops and other underutilized spaces are promising opportunities to site solar projects in Michigan that also can avoid bitter land use disputes often associated with greenfields or farmland, a clean energy advocate writes. (Bridge)

• A Michigan official who was recalled after serving nearly two decades on her township board because she supported a renewable energy project welcomes a new state law giving the state siting oversight. (Bridge)