Energy
Chasing clouds
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Review: This character-rich tale is deep with history, context and lessons for environmental battles elsewhere.
Energy
Community solar coming of age in Michigan
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In northern Michigan’s Grand Traverse County, a model for bringing solar power to those without the best location for it could set the path for a state lacking solar development.
Energy
Will report shine light on Michigan’s solar future?
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In less than two weeks the Michigan Public Service Commission will report on how the state’s two largest investor-owned utilities could improve solar options.
Energy
Court upholds UP ethanol plant review but project likely dropped
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The project has stalled, perhaps permanently, because of the withdrawal of the lead private investor and elimination of a federal mandate for ethanol made from wood.
Energy
Great Lakes states examine alternatives to coal-fired power plants
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Illinois, Indiana and Ohio were all in the top five coal destinations in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Energy
Wisconsin court clears controversial ‘frac sand’ mining permit
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The Wisconsin Court of Appeals has upheld a decision by Buffalo County officials to grant a permit that would allow more than 100 truckloads a day of fracking sand to be trucked on local roads.
Energy
Inadequate tree-trimming contributed to lengthy power outages
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Consumers Energy was singled out in a Michigan Public Service Commission staff report for spending nearly $16 million less than the MPSC approved for the utility for vegetation management in 2013.
Energy
Cheap natural gas a challenge for cogeneration plant
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In 2006 when a Minnesota group announced a $60 million biomass cogeneration plant, spot prices for natural gas topped $13 per million Btu. By the time the power plant began operating in May 2009, they had plunged below $4. Operators say they’ve stayed viable by cutting costs and upgrading efficiency.
Energy
Green versus green and energy dilemmas
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No alternative energy source is without its environmental costs. But as demand for power continues and as existing fossil-fuel and nuclear plants age, the truth is that the Great Lakes states need to aggressively explore alternatives.