Xcel using bus-sized batteries to store wind energy Wind turbines can generate electricity when the wind is blowing, but they don't when it's calm. That's one of the biggest problems with the alternative energy source. But now, Xcel Energy is experimenting with gigantic batteries as a way to solve one of wind power's most vexing problems.November 18, 2008
High hopes for the environment After eight years of an administration seen as hostile to the environment, environmental advocacy groups are anticipating quick action on issues like climate change from the Obama administration. But will the new president live up to these high expectations?Midmorning, November 17, 2008
How to invest new money in the environment: a nice problem to have Backers of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment are scrambling to figure out how to organize allocation of the roughly $300 million a year the new income tax is expected to raise.November 6, 2008
VeraSun Energy files for bankruptcy The worst economic crisis in the history of the ethanol industry has claimed one of biofuels most prominent players. VeraSun Energy, based in Sioux Falls, has filed for bankruptcy. It's the latest in a series of problems for ethanol producers, who've had to deal with huge swings in corn costs and falling ethanol prices.November 3, 2008
Xcel Energy plans wind power expansion Xcel Energy will invest almost $1 billion to build two new wind farms over the next three years -- one in Minnesota and one in North Dakota.October 31, 2008
Minneapolis house gets top energy rating A house in Minneapolis is the first newly constructed home in Minnesota to get the highest possible LEED rating for sustainability. MPR's Cathy Wurzer took a tour of the house.October 28, 2008
HourCar offers solar powered cars People enrolled in the Twin Cities car-sharing program can now do errands without burning an ounce of gas.October 21, 2008
Smart grid offers energy savings The electrical grid is getting smarter. Utilities are installing new technologies that can help consumers save energy and prevent blackouts.September 30, 2008
AG opposes Minnesota Power rate increases Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is
taking a strong stand against Minnesota Power's proposed electrical
rate increases.September 27, 2008
Audit: Minn. clean coal project had lax oversight An audit says an Iron Range clean coal project got public money for more than $40,000 in inappropriate expenses including travel, meals, golf and lobbying fees.September 25, 2008
Shopping for Porcupine Alaskan nature writer and photographer Seth Kantner says on balance he is glad vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is attracting attention to his home state. His new essay collection "Shopping for Porcupine" examines the conflict between Alaskan tradition and new economic realities.September 24, 2008
High corn prices create huge losses in ethanol industry For ethanol companies, big moves in the price of corn can mean large profits or major losses. With corn prices all over the map this year, companies have committed to paying high prices. The profit losses are adding up to tens of millions of dollars.September 24, 2008