CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota’s largest natural gas utility, has been approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for an innovative plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing decarbonization efforts in the state. The plan involves investments in low- and zero-carbon gases such as renewable natural gas and green hydrogen, as well as emerging technologies like geothermal systems and onsite carbon capture. The estimated budget for the implementation of this plan over five years is approximately $106 million, with an expected increase of $1.50 per month to a standard residential utility bill. CenterPoint will conduct a series of pilot projects as part of the five-year plan, which includes 17 pilot projects and seven research and development projects. These projects will assess and deploy various resources and technologies, with a focus on gas alternatives and energy resources that can replace traditional natural gas. For instance, one of the projects involves the development of a second green-hydrogen production facility near Mankato, Minn., utilizing onsite solar panels and a hydrogen storage system. The company also plans to introduce a networked geothermal system to provide heating and cooling to one of the neighborhoods it serves, along with incentives for large customers to install their own geothermal systems. Moreover, incentives will be provided for home and business customers to adopt hybrid heating systems to reduce energy costs and maintain efficiency during colder days. Additionally, industrial customers will receive support to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions in high-heat processes like glassmaking and concrete production. CenterPoint anticipates several benefits from the plan, including a reduction or avoidance of 1.2 million tons of carbon emissions, creating 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs, and leveraging $17 million or more in federal clean energy incentives. The company's focus on advancing technologies for a cleaner future is evident in the initiatives aimed at incentivizing hybrid heating systems, geothermal systems, and emission reduction in various industrial processes.