Data Centers Threatening Iowa's Renowned Clean Energy Attraction

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In the world of energy and climate, there's always something newsworthy happening. Here's a roundup of recent developments:

Solar Power Faces Challenges, but Virtual Power Plants Offer Hope

As rooftop solar installations face increasing challenges, the concept of virtual power plants (VPPs) is gaining traction. VPPs, which combine distributed solar projects with batteries, can provide quick responses to growing grid demand and support the solar industry during difficult times. This innovative approach could be a way forward for the solar sector. (Source: Canary Media)

North Carolina Faces Potential Losses from Energy Bill

An energy bill could cost North Carolina billions in lost investments and jobs if it proceeds as planned. The bill's potential impacts are a cause for concern for the state's economy and its renewable energy sector. (Source: Canary Media)

Iowa City Achieves Climate Goals, Plans for Resilience Hubs

Iowa City has successfully met its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. The city is now planning to deploy climate change resilience hubs to further address the challenges posed by climate change. (Source: Cedar Rapids Gazette)

Duluth Considering Solar Project on Former Hay Field

Officials in Duluth, Minnesota, are considering leasing 37 acres of a former hay field for a solar project. If approved, this project could contribute to the city's renewable energy goals. (Source: Duluth News Tribune)

EVs Show Promise, Next Quarter Could Be Record-Breaking

Electric vehicles (EVs) had a decent quarter, and the next one could be even better. The increasing popularity of EVs could lead to a record-breaking quarter, signaling a promising future for the electric vehicle industry. (Source: Canary Media)

Ohio Solar Project Faces Appeal, Threatening Investments

A 120 MW solar project in Ohio is facing an appeal from a coalition of property owners, who argue that the project does not serve the public interest. This appeal could potentially delay or halt the project, impacting investments in the state's renewable energy sector. (Source: Knox Pages)

Rising Power Demand and Grid Upgrades Increase Electric Rates

Across the country, rising power demand and necessary grid infrastructure upgrades are leading to increased electric rates with little relief in sight. This trend is concerning for many consumers and businesses. (Source: Vox)

Environmental Groups Raise Concerns over Michigan Oil Pipeline

On the 15th anniversary of a large Michigan oil pipeline spill, environmental groups are using the occasion to highlight the potential dangers of Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac. These groups are calling for the pipeline's decommissioning to prevent further environmental disasters. (Source: Michigan Public)

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Its Impact on Data Centers

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, proposed in Iowa, could potentially impact large data center investments in the state due to its proposed cuts on renewable energy incentives. However, the specific companies investing heavily in data centers and potentially threatened by this act have not been explicitly identified. (Source: Inside Climate News)

ComEd CEO Advocates for Tariff Changes for Data Centers

The CEO of ComEd is advocating for tariff changes that would require higher deposits and collateral from data center developers to prevent cost-shifting to other customers. These proposed changes are a response to the growing demand for data centers and the associated costs. (Source: Bloomberg)

Dakota Access Pipeline Developer Seeks Court Order Against Greenpeace

The Dakota Access pipeline developer is seeking a court order to prevent Greenpeace from counter-suing the company in the Netherlands. This move comes as part of ongoing legal battles between the pipeline developer and environmental activists. (Source: North Dakota Monitor)

Power Price Increases Set for Ohio Customers

Power price increases are set to worsen for Ohio customers in the territory of grid operator PJM. These increases are a result of various factors, including rising demand for electricity and maintenance costs. (Source: Cleveland.com)

Minnesota Pursues Solar Projects to Meet Carbon-Free Goals

Minnesota nonprofits and developers are pursuing community and commercial solar projects to help meet the state's 2040 carbon-free electricity target. Despite the impending sunset of federal incentives, these efforts demonstrate a commitment to renewable energy and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: Minnesota Reformer)

Illinois Researchers Predict Increase in Large Hail Frequency

Climate change could lead to an increase in large hail frequency in Illinois, adding to annual property damage. This prediction underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

South Dakota Utility Seeks Funding for Nuclear Research

A rate increase request from a South Dakota utility includes a portion for researching the feasibility of small modular nuclear reactors. This request indicates a growing interest in nuclear energy as a potential solution to the country's energy needs. (Source: Inforum)

Data Centers Threatening Iowa's Renowned Clean Energy Attraction