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Wisconsin coal plant closure delayed again

By Andy Balaskovitz

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COAL: The utilities that co-own a large Wisconsin coal plant delay the facility’s closure for a second time, now planning to shutter the 1,100 MW plant in 2029, allowing time to explore a conversion to natural gas. (Wisconsin Public Radio)

ALSO: A central Illinois coal mine is shutting down after the city of Springfield chose a cheaper supplier for its power plant. (Illinois Times)

GRID:

  • Renewable energy developers say PJM’s proposal to fast-track the interconnection process for shovel-ready projects is a ​“blatant attempt” to benefit utilities that want to serve surging data center load. (Utility Dive)
  • Consumer advocates in Illinois and Ohio are also pushing back against the plan that would prioritize natural gas projects, saying PJM has historically overestimated load growth. (E&E News)

CLEAN ENERGY: The U.S. Energy Department office that has approved nearly $55 billion in loans to help clean energy companies scale up is racing to get ​“dollars out the door” before the Trump administration potentially halts the program. (Canary Media)

PIPELINES: The proposed Summit Carbon Pipeline sparks a backlash in Upper Midwest farm country against ​“industrial climate solutions” fueled by oil and agricultural interests and federal tax credits. (Drilled)

BIOFUELS: Biofuel advocates and lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to issue guidance on a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel to end uncertainty for producers. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

  • Analysts and experts say utilities should scale up time-of-use rates and other programs to help manage load growth from electric vehicles before major investments in distribution infrastructure. (Utility Dive)
  • Ford Motor Co. reportedly plans to build an EV plant in Indonesia, the world’s largest producer of nickel, as it cuts jobs in Europe and loses market share in China. (Elektrek)
  • Nearly 15,000 electric vehicles have been registered in Iowa since 2020 as the state’s EV adoption steadily grows. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

SOLAR: A manufacturer donates 2,000 solar modules to a Native-led nonprofit that will deliver nearly 1 MW of power to Midwestern tribes. (news release)

EFFICIENCY: Illinois issues $285,000 in grants to local governments to support climate action plans as well as efficiency audits and upgrades. (CBS Chicago)

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