Hope for a nuclear future
As coal recedes in Colorado, hope lingers that Craig can continue to generate electricity, this time nuclear. It makes sense — until the numbers are examined.
A conversation with Alice Jackson
Once an international ballerina, she is now helping guide Xcel Energy toward a goal of emissions-free electricity by 2050. Here’s some of what she’s thinking.
Taylor Park hydroelectric and other gleanings
Hydroelectric at Taylor Park Reservoir finally seems to be moving forward after 85 years. Plus, the Polis geothermal initiative, and transmission authority.
Biogas in the San Luis Valley
Colorado seems to have very few anaerobic digesters of any size. The EPA has planted a $200,000 seed at Mosca in hopes of seeing more.
Briefly, a smile in the Powder River Basin coal fields
Wyoming coal delivers profits for a change. But one of the big operators still plans to get out as coal plants in Colorado and elsewhere close.
Enviro groups scold Polis administration
WildEarth Guardians and four other groups sue Colorado’s Air Pollution Control Division about permit for West Elk Mine.
Gas prices and the endless blaming
Politicians and propagandists so rarely concern themselves with facts. Not to confuse the narrative, but here are a few that may matter.
Why nighttime heat matters so much
All-time daily temperature records have been smashed in Colorado this summer, but here’s why the rising overnight minimums are so concerning
The “Keystone Pipeline” won’t make gas cheaper
If only we’d built the “Keystone Pipeline,” some people say, gasoline would be cheap. Well, actually, no. We need to stop telling ourselves stories that just aren’t true.
Walking the legislative talk of environmental justice
Colorado legislators in 2021 passed a suite of laws that define a new approach for making decisions in this energy transition. What will this mean exactly?
A triumph for wind on the ‘gangplank’
It was a day for triumph as the last wind farm along Colordo’s northern border was completed, giving Guzman Energy 145 megawatts of capacity.
A talk with CEO of Leeward Renewable Energy
Jason Allen explains how wind turbines are becoming more powerful and why he would like to see stability in federal tax credits.
Solar surge on the Western Slope
Several counties on Colorado’s Western Slope have been told to expect many proposals for major solar projects in the next 3-5 years. Here’s why.
Colorado energy gleanings
United Power has joined the Southwest Power Pool, solar trade group lauds Morgan County, and Colorado’s new transmission group slow to get off ground.
New plans for Delta-Montrose solar
Will this revised plan that calls for the kinds of irrigation satisfy county commissioners in Colorado’s Delta County? This is the agrivoltaics story on its edge.
Xcel Energy’s new planning team leader
How will Xcel Energy squeeze emissions to match its promises? The company’s planning team leader Alice Jackson describes many questions that await answers.
An investment to rival those of I-70 and DIA
Xcel Energy will spend $9-$10 billion on new transmission and energy generation as it leaves coal behind. Just how important is this investment?
Solar lipstick on an energy hog
The older house had solar panels front and back — and new windows, too. But the air conditioner couldn’t keep up with heat, even during May. What was wrong?
A huge pivot for Xcel and Colorado
Xcel’s sprawling plans for its giant pivot from coal will dramatically transform the landscape of eastern Colorado. TBD: When will the state’s youngest coal plant close?
Renewable natural gas is hard to find
As Colorado starts squeezing natural gas from bujldings, Black Hills Energy proposes a voluntary program that will primarily use carbon offsets. Renewable natural gas itself is hard to find.
