Midwest

Solar

Interconnection bottleneck threatens community solar success in Illinois

One of the state’s largest utilities, Ameren, takes years to approve projects. That’s creating headaches for developers racing to use expiring federal tax credits.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 October 2025
Energy markets

Why states are threatening to leave PJM — and why they probably won’t

The grid operator’s high power prices and long interconnection queue have Democratic and Republican governors eyeing an exit, but analysts warn it could backfire.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 26 September 2025
Virtual power plants

Virtual power plants may soon provide more electricity to Illinois’ grid

The state has tons of solar, thanks to past laws. Now, legislators are weighing incentives for home batteries that can give the grid clean power in times of need.

By Kari Lydersen . 25 September 2025
Green steel

A coal-burning steel plant may thwart Cleveland’s climate goals

The facility is the city's biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Advocates say its dirty blast furnaces need to be replaced with cleaner technology.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 18 September 2025
Solar

Illinois' push to train workers for solar industry jobs is paying off

A state-funded hub for clean energy workforce development is creating employment and business opportunities in the surrounding community.

By Kari Lydersen . 12 September 2025
Solar

Illinois farmers find that sheep and solar arrays go well together

The agrivoltaics practice of raising sheep under solar panels is a win-win for Illinois farmers — but first the market for lamb meat needs to grow.

By Kari Lydersen . 11 September 2025
Clean energy

These conservatives want government to stop working against clean energy

At the National Conservative Energy Summit in Cleveland, developers and regulators warned that restrictive laws are stalling wind and solar projects.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 4 September 2025
Green steel

Nippon Steel to begin relining Indiana blast furnace next year

The owner of U.S. Steel confirmed plans to revamp the aging coal-fueled facility at its Gary Works complex. Community groups want a low-carbon steel mill instead.

By Maria Gallucci . 26 August 2025
Fossil fuels

Trump admin orders dirty, expensive coal plant to stay open even longer

Keeping J.H. Campbell open past its slated close is costing Midwest households big. Advocates fear that more such orders are on the way.

By Jeff St. John . 21 August 2025
Utilities

Ohio Utility Watch: ‘Power corrupts’ and regulatory cases continue

The latest edition of Ohio Utility Watch, a periodic newsletter tracking developments in Ohio's House Bill 6 scandal.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 14 August 2025