Midwest

Batteries

Biggest battery east of the Mississippi will help power AI complex

The 1-GWh battery project in Ohio will help suppress power prices and reduce grid strain from a nearby data center hub. The region could use a lot more systems like it.

By Julian Spector . 29 July 2026
Fossil fuels

EPA proposals to keep Indiana coal going would threaten drinking water

Gutting Biden-era protections would help dirty plants run longer in the historically coal-centric state, despite big environmental risks.

By Kari Lydersen . 29 July 2026
Sponsored

How Illinois’ new energy law is creating a market for Chicago properties

Illinois' new energy law is creating demand for overlooked land as battery developers seek sites for a massive storage buildout — opening new revenue opportunities for property owners.

28 July 2026
Solar

Solar is booming in Indiana. Not everyone is happy about it.

The state was No. 3 in solar installations last year — but with more solar has come more local opposition. Experts say genuine community engagement is needed.

By Kari Lydersen . 23 July 2026
Green steel

Could a new iron ore mine turn Minnesota into a green steel powerhouse?

Mesabi Metallics is opening a mine and processing plant on the Iron Range, spurring job opportunities and a chance to join the global transition to low-carbon steel.

By Brian Martucci . 23 July 2026
Fossil fuels

A $100M Ohio energy fund lacks transparency — and excludes renewables

JobsOhio, which is administering the new fund, has drawn criticism for limiting the opportunity to nuclear and natural gas — and for its opaque process.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 22 July 2026
Utilities

More Ohioans are getting their power shut off as energy costs surge

Recent data reveals an uptick in households losing power because of unpaid utility bills — yet another sign of the ongoing national affordability crisis.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 14 July 2026
Nuclear

America’s first nuclear plant restart may be near the finish line

After a few missed targets, Holtec says the remaining tasks to bring Michigan’s Palisades plant back online are equal to restoring service after a routine outage.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 10 July 2026
Solar

Ohio Power Siting Board asks court to punt on high-stakes solar case

The Kingwood Solar case could provide clean energy developers in Ohio with much-needed clarity about the regulatory environment — if the court doesn’t dismiss it.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 9 July 2026
Solar

In Ohio, solar is no big threat to farmland

Fears over farmland loss have fueled arguments against renewables in Ohio — but golf courses and suburban sprawl take up far more acreage than solar does.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 2 July 2026