Minnesota

ENN

In Minnesota, old power plants could be the on-ramp for new wind and solar

Facing long delays for new transmission, Minnesota utilities are looking at retired power plants as locations to connect new wind and solar energy.

By Frank Jossi . 21 October 2021
ENN

Minnesota solar installer bankruptcies leave unfinished projects, calls for better oversight

The state’s solar energy trade group has made improving consumer protections a priority after a string of bankruptcies in recent years left dozens of customers stuck with unfinished projects.

By Frank Jossi . 11 October 2021
ENN

Minneapolis battery pilot will test vision for sharing solar power with neighbors

Four batteries are being installed at a North Minneapolis green jobs training center in one of the country’s first “virtual power plant” pilot projects. Each battery will simulate a household buying and selling power with neighbors.

By Frank Jossi . 24 September 2021
ENN

Long waits to connect to Xcel’s grid are stalling Minnesota solar projects

Xcel told one customer they would need to wait 15 years to connect their solar system to its electric grid. The utility says it’s working to improve its process, but some in the industry say legislation or an investigation is needed to fix the problems.

By Frank Jossi . 20 September 2021
ENN

Minnesota's Iron Range may soon be home to one of the largest solar panel manufacturing facilities in the country

Solar panel manufacturer Heliene, which currently employs about 75 people at its Mountain Iron facility, is planning a $21 million expansion, with state and local governments are chipping in millions for the project.

By Walker Orenstein . 13 September 2021
ENN

Minnesota utility co-op sees big battery as piece of grid reliability puzzle

Great River Energy, a distribution and transmission cooperative, has partnered with a Massachusetts startup on a long-duration energy storage pilot project that it hopes will help buffer its grid from extreme cold and heat impacts.

By Frank Jossi . 10 September 2021
ENN

Reliability problems stall Duluth's transition to electric buses

While Duluth bus drivers and riders have so far enjoyed the city's new electric buses, the vehicles' shorter ranges and difficulties with hills have slowed their expansion.

By Henry Pan . 31 August 2021
ENN

Minnesota clean energy jobs rebounded — but workers of color need more opportunities

The clean energy workforce is more diverse than the broader state economy. But experts say workers of color need more access to training and pathways to higher-paying careers.

By Andrew Hazzard . 27 August 2021
ENN

From smart meters to big batteries, co-ops emerge as clean grid laboratories

A wave of pilot programs by Minnesota electric cooperatives is saving customers money and providing useful data for larger utilities considering new technology and pricing models to encourage grid efficiency.

By Frank Jossi . 26 August 2021
ENN

The Midwest lost clean energy jobs in 2020, but there were signs of hope, new report says

Clean energy jobs in the region declined by about 9% last year amid pandemic-driven economic turbulence, but electric vehicles were a bright spot, adding jobs in states including Minnesota and Michigan.

By Kari Lydersen . 11 August 2021