BCSE report shows Minnesota a clean energy leader

Increased electricity generation from renewable energy and natural gas has led to electricity prices below
the national average in Minnesota, according to findings from recent Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) reports.

BCSE’s 2017 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook and Minnesota Clean Energy Factsheet, which were compiled by research firm Bloomberg New Energy Finance, identify important factors shaping national and state investment and economics, energy supply, and energy demand.

“The Minnesota Factsheet reflects the state’s strong leadership position in energy efficiency and renewable energy,” Gregg Mast, executive director of Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, said. “Our energy generation mix is becoming more diverse, clean energy costs continue to decline, and the benefits of energy efficiency are substantial. This is all good news for Minnesota and our economy.”

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranks Minnesota 10th out of all 50 states for its energy efficiency initiatives. Minnesota has 10.7 megawatts of installed community solar capacity, the third most of any state, and has more than 3.2 gigawatts of installed utility-scale wind capacity. In 2016, clean energy supported over 54,000 jobs in the state.

“Minnesota is incredibly well-positioned for continued growth in sustainable energy,” Ken Smith, president and CEO of Ever-Green Energy, said. “In addition to the use of renewables, continued success hinges upon our ability to increase overall energy system productivity by driving greater efficiency at the production level and minimizing wasted energy throughout the system. Accomplishing this will require developing integrated solutions that are effective at the local level. I think we will see a continued market demand for increased efficiency, together with renewable integration and cost parity.”