Midwest

Clean industry

This startup turns steel and aluminum waste into usable metals

Chicago-area Sun Metalon removes gunk and grime from metal slivers normally thrown away, helping to reduce emissions from aluminum and steel production.

By Kari Lydersen . 9 June 2025
Energy efficiency

Chicago program to light up dark streets is gateway to energy efficiency

MECRO outfits porches with LED lights that automatically turn on at dusk, helping residents feel safer — and showing them how to start lowering their energy bills.

By Audrey Henderson . 5 June 2025
Utilities

Why an Ohio ban on settlements to close 'base load' power plants matters for clean energy

House Bill 15 forbids settlements to close or curtail "base load" power plants, which exclude renewables. The law may pave the way for future fossil-fuel subsidies.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 3 June 2025
Solar

Why the solar industry is counting Ohio’s newest energy law as a win

Although legislators highlighted the law’s potential to spur “dispatchable” power like gas and nuclear, its tech-neutral incentives can benefit solar, too.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 29 May 2025
Hydrogen

Can locally made green ammonia replace fertilizer from fossil fuels?

Startup Talusag says modular plants that make ammonia from green hydrogen could cut carbon and costs from fertilizer supply chains, in America’s heartland and beyond.

By Jeff St. John . 28 May 2025
Clean energy jobs

South Dakota students tap into growing wind-energy job market

Technical colleges are creating direct pipelines into the industry — and the number of available jobs is “crazy,” said one student who is about to graduate.

By Bart Pfankuch . 20 May 2025
Fossil fuels

Federal regulators reject MISO’s plan to fast-track gas plants

FERC says the Midwest grid operator’s proposal would cause more problems than it would solve in a victory for clean power, reliability, and energy developers.

By Jeff St. John . 19 May 2025
Clean energy jobs

From EVs to HVAC, clean energy means jobs in Central Illinois

Decatur has been losing factory jobs for years. A clean energy workforce hub promises renewal — and provides training for students from disenfranchised communities.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 May 2025
Emissions reduction

The country’s biggest grid operator has a new tool to track emissions

Utilities, states, and Big Tech firms want to know how dirty their grid power is. MISO and startup Singularity have rolled out a tool that can show them.

By Jeff St. John . 14 May 2025
Energy storage

Illinois’ grid needs batteries. Can the legislature deliver?

State leaders are deliberating how to bring more energy storage online. But the clock is ticking to pass a pivotal bill as the legislative session nears its end.

By Kari Lydersen . 12 May 2025