Agrivoltaics maintain or enhance forage quality, study finds
Researchers have analyzed the biomass and nutritional value of grasses and legumes for grazing dairy cattle, growing in agrivoltaics fields. The results showed that forage quality may be maintained or even enhanced in agrivoltaic environments.
Minnesota community solar garden program officially named for House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman
Hortman’s legacy shapes how Minnesota approaches energy policy and her impact extends nationwide as the program continues to be a model followed by other states.
Minnesota PUC approves utility battery program while deferring VPP decisions
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved 50 MW to 200 MW of utility-owned storage while requiring Xcel Energy to study the grid value of distributed resources.
Minnesota LMI community solar reaches 179 MW amid regulatory shifts
The state’s shift to a “capped” system means developers are now racing for limited space. The program exceeds its goals for low-income participation, addressing access gaps in the energy transition.
Google to deploy world’s largest iron-air battery for Minnesota data center
The 300 MW / 30 GWh multi-day storage system from Form Energy will be paired with 1.6 GW of new renewables to facilitate Google’s 24/7 carbon-free energy goals.
With federal policy suppressed and energy affordability at center stage, researchers say states have options
Reversing federal policies will have “severe” impacts on electricity affordability, Resources for the Future says, but states can implement carbon pricing to drive down ratepayers’ energy prices and incentivize more renewable energy development.
State solar policy on the frontlines
For a couple months every two years, every state’s legislative session align, and this year, energy policy dominated many states’ sessions. In regulated energy markets, advocacy groups crusaded against utilities that were relentless to not lose any of their monopoly share to clean energy.
Community solar makes subtle gains in capacity, but bold moves in policy across the U.S.
Many states made steady gains in community solar capacity last quarter while other states fought for the ability to have community solar capacity.
Minnesota ushers in first standalone energy storage project
After Spearmint Energy applied for two separate but similar 150 MW energy storage projects, one will break new ground while the other faces ongoing hurdles from local opposition.
Grid-scale energy storage could cut energy bills in Central U.S. by $7 billion
The Southwest Power Pool is expected to have the largest increase in peak demand among grid regions in the United States. Energy storage can help serve this demand cost effectively, said Aurora Energy Research.
