Midwest Energy Shifts: Army Corps Reviews Line 5 Tunnel, Solar Projects Rise, EV Startup Struggles
The energy landscape in the Midwest is shifting, with a mix of new projects, reviews, and concerns. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has stepped in to assess a proposed Line 5 tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac. Meanwhile, solar projects are on the rise, with a 250 MW project planned in western Ohio. However, environmental groups and landowners have raised concerns about carbon dioxide pipelines and horizontal directional drilling. Closer inspection is also required for a struggling electric vehicle startup and Indiana's coal plants.
The Army Corps of Engineers will conduct a multi-year environmental review of a proposed Line 5 tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac. This follows concerns raised by Wisconsin landowners and tribes about Enbridge's planned use of horizontal directional drilling for Line 5 relocation. They worry about potential pollution and safety issues.
In more positive news, solar power is expanding. Developer Invenergy plans to submit a permit application for a 250 MW solar project in western Ohio within the next month. This follows local officials' consideration of a 3,200-acre solar project between Lincoln and Omaha, one of the largest in Nebraska. However, the exact details and timeline for these projects remain unclear.
Illinois environmental groups have warned of potential safety and financial hazards from carbon dioxide pipelines and storage. This comes as a Wisconsin utility explores small-scale reactors to replace retiring coal plants, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Indiana's coal plants currently account for more than half of the state's emissions.
Michigan's Electric Last Mile Solutions, a startup focusing on electric vehicles, has faced challenges. Its shares plunged nearly 50% due to a federal SEC probe. FirstEnergy, however, expects to complete over $400 million in grid infrastructure upgrades this year to reduce outages.
The Midwest's energy transition is complex and multifaceted. While solar projects promise cleaner energy, concerns about pipelines and drilling methods persist. Struggles faced by an electric vehicle startup and the dominance of coal in Indiana's energy mix highlight the challenges ahead. As the region moves forward, careful review and consideration of all these factors will be crucial.
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