Minnesota

Wind

Minnesota now has a wind-powered green ammonia plant

A yearslong project has finally started producing ammonia with wind power. If the process can be scaled up, it could help ensure farmers have cheap, reliable fertilizer.

By Brian Martucci, MinnPost .

12 June 2026

Gray tanks, pipes, and sheds on a dirt plot; one orange-vested worker in the center — A green ammonia pilot project at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, near Morris, Minnesota, on April 30, 2026 (Brian Martucci for MinnPost)

Long-duration energy storage

A new thermal battery could help this Minnesota campus electrify heat

Cache Energy’s pilot project harnesses excess wind power from UMN Morris’ two turbines to heat a carpentry shop and could be expanded across campus.

By Brian Martucci, MinnPost . 22 April 2026
Virtual power plants

Xcel Minnesota is building a first-of-its-kind virtual power plant

Minnesota regulators just approved Xcel’s plan for a utility-owned VPP. Supporters say it could serve as a model for other utilities — but critics aren’t so sure.

By Jeff St. John . 8 April 2026
Batteries

Gigantic Form Energy battery to power Google data center in Minnesota

The startup has struck a deal with Xcel Energy to build a 30 gigawatt-hour battery plant that will deliver clean energy, round the clock, to a Google facility.

By Julian Spector . 24 February 2026
Virtual power plants

Why Xcel’s bid to reinvent the virtual power plant is so controversial

Most VPPs rely on customers’ solar and batteries. Xcel says its utility-owned alternative can do a better job in Minnesota — but critics question the cost.

By Jeff St. John . 17 February 2026
Energy storage

Xcel doubles down on plan to swap coal for clean power in Minnesota

With demand rising and tax credits expiring, the utility wants to rapidly expand the batteries and solar it’s building near the shuttering Sherco coal plant.

By Brian Martucci, MinnPost . 7 November 2025
Electrification

Meet Minnesota’s electric coffee roasting pioneers

Minneapolis-based Coffeewomple is one of the first U.S. roasters to use a commercial-scale electric coffee roaster, navigating higher costs for climate benefits.

By Dan Haugen . 5 August 2025
Solar

Minnesota community solar makes it past bipartisan attempt to end program

Lawmakers ditched language in the state energy bill that would have repealed its successful Community Solar Garden program after supporters rallied to save it.

By Alison F. Takemura . 23 June 2025
Clean energy

Melissa Hortman was a climate and clean energy champion for Minnesota

The former state House speaker, assassinated by a gunman Saturday, helped to pass some of the country’s most ambitious state clean energy policy.

By Frank Jossi . 19 June 2025
Solar

Minnesota bill could 'all but stop' rural small-scale solar installs

The legislation, which has enthusiastic support from rural electric cooperatives, would slash bill credits for future solar customers in much of the state.

By Brian Martucci, MinnPost . 25 April 2025
Heat pumps

For one Minnesotan, a new heat pump brings comfort and savings

Even in one of the coldest cities in the U.S., Kathy Palmer’s heat pump helps displace gas heating, lowers heating bills, and makes her home more comfortable.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 February 2025