Solar energy project in Ohio triumphs over obstacles, gains state's endorsement

In the heart of the United States, several states in the Midwest are making strides in renewable energy and climate action.

Ohio has seen a surge in solar panel installation, with companies like Festo operating rooftop solar arrays. Festo's solar array, launched on the roof of its service center in Ohio in 2020, is expected to offset about 48% of the facility's annual electricity use. Meanwhile, the Ohio Power Siting Board approved a 120 MW Frasier solar installation in June.

The U.S. Agriculture Department predicts that biofuel producers will consume more than half of all soybean oil produced nationally next year, indicating a growing focus on renewable resources. This trend is further supported by federal policies boosting the biofuel industry.

However, not all news is positive. In Indiana, advocates are critical of the state's decision to abandon its climate action plan, fearing it will lead to "worse environmental outcomes for Hoosiers." Similarly, in Ohio, regulators have initiated an investigation into a series of outages on FirstEnergy's grid, following accusations from Lakewood and Barberton elected officials that the company failed to invest in infrastructure.

The Midwest isn't just focusing on solar and biofuels. Iowa's utility company Alliant Energy plans to add 1 GW of wind power to its grid. Meanwhile, a Wisconsin organic farm claims adding solar arrays to its facilities has improved their operations and working conditions.

Politics also play a role in these developments. Recently passed laws in Louisiana, Indiana, and Ohio classify natural gas as a "clean energy source," a move advocates say was influenced by the American Legislative Exchange Council. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, indicated the Trump administration would block Invenergy's proposed Grain Belt Express transmission project.

In Michigan, advocates argue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers did not adequately analyze the potential climate impacts of Enbridge Energy's proposed Line 5 oil pipeline. Elsewhere, a Wisconsin lawmaker has introduced legislation to establish a state tax credit for aviation biofuel production and mandate domestic sourcing of materials.

In the world of energy, the Midwest is a hive of activity, with each state making its unique contributions to the renewable energy landscape.