Blog

The Better Energy Community is constantly growing and evolving.

Read about our latest projects and successes on our blog.

Report: Unlocking the Potential of Distributed Green Ammonia for a Sustainable Rural Agricultural Future

January 16, 2026 in Renewable Energy Author: Val Stori

Distributed green ammonia (DGA) fertilizer, produced on-farm or within agricultural regions, offers several benefits that not only support sustainable agriculture but also provide local economic benefits and enhanced supply security. A new report prepared by the Great Plains Institute for the Hydrogen Economy Collaborative, Distributed Green Ammonia: Demonstrating Modular Systems for Sustainable Agriculture, highlights the regional economic benefits that DGA production can bring to agricultural regions. Continue reading »

It’s Electric! E-Bike Usage Takes Off in the United States: Part Three

January 14, 2026 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Aaron Westling

In part one of this blog series, we explored the rapid rise in electric bike (e-bike) usage and the public investments fueling this trend. E-bikes can play a crucial role in building a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable transportation system that reduces dependence on personal vehicles, a key part of GPI’s work to decarbonize the transportation sector. State rebate programs and local incentives have made e-bikes more accessible than ever. Continue reading »

Texas Carbon Management Roadmap: Policy Pathways Built with Texas Voices

January 7, 2026 in Carbon Management, News & Press Author: Emma Thomley

Panoramic photo of natural landscape in Texas at dawn.

Texas is entering a pivotal moment for carbon management. Growing power demand and the first wave of carbon capture and storage projects are converging in a state with world-class geology, deep energy expertise, and newly secured Class VI primacy for carbon storage permitting.

To help Texas navigate this moment with clarity and coordination, GPI has released the Texas Carbon Management Roadmap, developed with support from the Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation and shaped by the input of nearly 100 Texas-based stakeholders from industry, government, labor, academia, nonprofits, and community organizations.

Continue reading »

GPI’s Top Ten Stories of 2025

December 30, 2025 in News & Press Author: Drew Henry

As we start the countdown to the end of 2025, we’re excited to share our most-read stories from the last year!

From sharing our leading research on critical energy infrastructure to highlighting community-driven clean energy solutions, we’re proud of the impact we’ve made alongside the many partners we’ve collaborated with over the past year. Continue reading »

Understanding Industrial Gas Regulation in Minnesota’s Clean Heat Transition

December 16, 2025 in Energy Systems Authors: Hallie Turner, Hannah Dobie

Minnesota has a statutory net-zero emissions target for 2050, which will require emissions reductions in the industrial sector. In 2022, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency found that gas use in the industrial sector contributed to a greater share of statewide greenhouse gas emissions than gas use in residential, commercial, and electricity generation sectors. Decarbonizing industrial gas end uses is challenging due to high heat needs, specialized equipment, and cost barriers associated with alternative technologies. Continue reading »

GPI and CEG Report Explores Performance-Based Regulation for Virginia’s Electric Utilities

December 4, 2025 in Energy Systems Authors: Aileen Cole, Dan Cross-Call

In the November 2025 elections, energy affordability was a top-priority issue for voters nationwide, who are feeling the pressure of rising energy bills. It was a central theme in the elections in Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia, and Virginia’s new Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger highlighted lower energy bills among the three priorities in the Affordable Virginia Plan on which she campaigned, alongside healthcare and homeownership. Continue reading »

Rolf Nordstrom Announces Retirement From GPI, Summer 2026

November 26, 2025 in News & Press Author: Drew Henry

After nearly two decades leading GPI, one of the longest-tenured nonprofit executives in Minnesota, Rolf Nordstrom announced this week that he will retire from the organization on July 31, 2026. Rolf’s time as president and CEO was transformative and was essential to defining the organization’s local and national impact, reach, and leadership in the energy and climate space.  Continue reading »

John Lee, Former CEO of Barr Engineering, Joins GPI’s Board of Directors

November 12, 2025 in News & Press Author: Drew Henry

National leader in infrastructure development adds technical and executive leadership to advancing the clean energy transition 

The Great Plains Institute (GPI) announced today that John Lee, retired president and CEO of Barr Engineering Co., has joined its board of directors. Lee brings more than four decades of leadership and engineering experience, including overseeing Barr’s transformation into a 1,000-person firm known for its technical excellence, collaborative culture, and commitment to sustainable infrastructure and environmental innovation.   Continue reading »

Our Newsletter

Sign Up for Better Energy Community News

Sign up to receive the latest news and announcements from the Great Plains Institute.

*By submitting this form, you agree to receive email marketing from the Great Plains Institute.