Midwest

Air travel

DOE makes $3B commitment to two sustainable aviation fuel projects

Alternative jet fuels are seen as key to curbing emissions from today’s airplanes. The Loan Programs Office is backing SAF plants to boost U.S. supplies.

By Maria Gallucci . 16 October 2024
Solar

This farmer was skeptical about solar — until he began grazing sheep

Illinois farmer Trent Gerlach had misgivings about solar panels taking up cropland, but he saw a chance to try agrivoltaics, a practice catching on around the US.

By Kari Lydersen . 15 October 2024
ENN

Project 2025 will raise Ohioans’ energy costs and cost the state jobs, report says

State-level analysis for the lower 48 states found all would lose out on energy under Project 2025, with fewer jobs and greater household energy spending compared to current federal policies.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 10 October 2024
ENN

Ohio high court races will decide future of state’s energy transition and utility fairness

Expect judges to weigh questions about siting solar and wind generation, Ohio’s ongoing corruption scandal, refunds for consumers, oil and gas drilling, and more.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 8 October 2024
Solar

Solar farms don't hurt nearby property values, new research finds

In fact, utility-scale solar projects can modestly boost property values, according to data from the Midwest.

By Kari Lydersen . 7 October 2024
Transmission

Why won’t PJM let batteries and clean power bolster a stressed-out grid?

The country’s biggest grid operator is preventing developers from adding batteries to existing projects that have extra grid space, in defiance of a federal mandate.

By Jeff St. John . 3 October 2024
Clean energy manufacturing

Michigan bets on EVs to revive its economy — and hopes jobs will follow

The swing state's Democratic leaders want to channel historic manufacturing prowess toward clean energy. Success will hinge on the November election.

By Julian Spector . 2 October 2024
ENN

Illinois program’s ‘wraparound’ approach helps formerly incarcerated people land solar industry jobs

The Renewing Sovereignty Project, which provides social and financial support for participants leaving the justice system, had a 100% placement rate in its first year.

By Audrey Henderson . 1 October 2024
Nuclear

The hottest trend in nuclear power: Reopening shuttered plants

The Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan just closed a $1.5B federal loan to reopen, the latest in a push to restart retired nuclear plants amid rising power demand.

By Eric Wesoff . 30 September 2024
ENN

Ohio drought renews worries about massive use of water for fracking

A water conservancy district has imposed some limits for the first time, but critics want more done to protect water resources.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 26 September 2024