What’s stopping aluminum’s comeback?

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MANUFACTURING

• U.S. aluminum producers hope to scale up production in states like Missouri and Oklahoma, but must first overcome roadblocks that include high energy costs and pollution concerns. (Canary Media)

GRID

• Federal regulators order PJM to reconsider strict data rules that have prevented demand response programs and virtual power plants from participating in the grid operator’s capacity market, potentially freeing up nearly 5 GW of capacity amid supply constraints. (Canary Media)

PIPELINES

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approves a construction permit for Enbridge’s proposed tunnel to house Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac, though the project remains tied up in state and federal courts. (Bridge)

• A second pipeline parts company sues carbon pipeline developer Summit Carbon Solutions, this time for $6.6 million, alleging that it has refused to pay for an order under contract. (North Dakota Monitor)

HYDROELECTRIC

• Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) opposes Consumers Energy’s proposed sale of 13 aging hydroelectric dams to a private equity firm, citing concerns over public safety and higher costs for taxpayers. (Bridge)

SOLAR

• Local officials mark the opening of a 2 MW solar project that floats on a reservoir in Lima, Ohio, to power the city’s water treatment plant. (Limaohio.com)

DATA CENTERS

• Residents near a hyperscale Amazon data center under construction near South Bend, Indiana, say the project is drying up their shallow water wells as state officials make unproven claims attributing the scenario to drought. (Indianapolis Star)

• A referendum challenging a central Ohio data center is back on track after the Ohio Supreme Court ruled last week that local governments must give specific reasons for fast-tracking projects. (Ohio Capital Journal)

BATTERIES

• A northeast Ohio factory jointly owned by GM and LG Energy Solution is scheduled to restart battery cell production next week after falling consumer demand for EVs caused a seven-month shutdown. (Reuters)

OVERSIGHT

• Groups seeking to overturn Indiana regulators’ approval of a $71 million rate increase for AES could see their petition expire as an ousted utility commissioner who approved the hike sues Gov. Mike Braun (R) over his dismissal. (WFYI)

WIND

• North Dakota regulators approve plans for a 202 MW wind project and nearby power grid upgrades west of Bismarck. (KXNET)

NEW FROM CANARY

• Huge new turbines could let biggest UK wind farm do more with less — Julian Spector

• Home battery installations climb despite loss of federal incentives — Dan McCarthy

• Your gas car works fine. Consider an EV anyway. — Tik Root