Wisconsin to pilot balloon-like energy storage facility

STORAGE: A balloon-like facility coming online in Wisconsin when a coal plant closes in the next few years aims to demonstrate a new form of energy storage that can support more renewables on the grid. (Energy News Network)

UTILITIES: Sentencing has been delayed for four people, including ComEd’s former CEO, convicted of a conspiracy to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. (Chicago Sun-Times)

SOLAR:

• Wisconsin is poised to add nearly 1,300 MW of new solar capacity in 2023 and 2024, though environmental groups say more renewable energy development is needed to meet climate goals. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
• South Dakota is one of six states that will not seek federal funding from an Inflation Reduction Act program to support solar projects across the country. (South Dakota Searchlight)
• Iowa’s second-most populous county is launching a solar dashboard that helps residents access local installers and federal funding opportunities. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

MINING: The Minnesota Court of Appeals upholds a key air permit for a proposed copper and nickel mine, though the project is still in limbo as other permits have been revoked or are in court. (MPR)

PIPELINES:

• An attorney for landowners argues before the North Dakota Supreme Court that a state law placing few limitations on land surveyors’ access to private property should be declared unconstitutional. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)
• A trial is set to begin early next year for North Dakota’s pursuit of $38 million from the federal government for costs related to policing the Dakota Access pipeline protests. (Associated Press)

NUCLEAR: Ohio significantly reduces the assessed value of the Davis-Besse nuclear plant, which caught local officials off guard and is projected to cut a township’s tax revenue by $300,000. (WTVG)

GRID: Grid operator PJM next year will shift to a new long-range transmission planning process that considers state energy policies and expectations for electric vehicles. (Utility Dive)

COMMENTARY: A Minnesota technologist and instructor says electric vehicle battery alternatives are quickly emerging and will likely replace the need for expensive nickel/​cobalt lithium-ion batteries. (MinnPost)