On October 22nd, over one hundred people attended the 9th annual gathering of the Metro CERT region. As always, the program provided information, connections to resources and networking around community clean energy implementation. This year, participants were also offered the opportunity to provide input on both the Metro CERT priorities over the next two years and the Minnesota 2025 Energy Action Plan. The Great Plains Institute, in partnership with the MN Department of Commerce, the Legislative Energy Commission, and Rocky Mountain Institute, coordinates the 2025 Energy Action Plan. Continue reading »
If you google “oil reserves” (or natural gas reserves, or coal reserves, or uranium reserves) you will be inundated with data sources, such as the resource map below. There is a whole industry of companies and agencies who track and measure our country’s traditional energy fuel reserves.
On the other hand, if you search for information about solar energy reserves, your result is considerably different. Continue reading »
Made in Minnesota Solar Program Interview with Department of Commerce
September 16, 2015 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
Diana McKeown: How do you describe the Made in Minnesota Solar Program to people?
Kim Havey: Made in Minnesota (MiM) is a program designed to grow jobs within the solar industry in Minnesota and support the installation of solar PV and thermal for residents and businesses. The program is ideally designed for residential and business rooftop solar installations but also can be used for ground mounted installations, which is ideal for farms. Legislation in 2013 launched MiM, with two existing solar PV manufacturers but now the program includes four Minnesota based PV manufacturers and a broad range of solar modules. Continue reading »
Seed Grants Now Available for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Projects!
September 3, 2015 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
On August 24, 2015 the Statewide CERTs Partnership, including the Great Plains Institute, released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking applications for limited financial assistance for community-based energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. This funding is for LABOR COSTS ONLY for all seven CERTs regions, which cover the entire state of Minnesota. The primary objective of these funds is to spur action on local clean energy projects.
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Visit us at the Great Minnesota Get Together’s Eco Experience!
August 25, 2015 in Communities Author: Diana McKeown
It’s that time of the year…The Minnesota State Fair!
I know not everyone LOVES it as much as I do. I worked there during high school and college and would go all 12 days annually if that was socially acceptable for someone that doesn’t work there. I do however, get to work there four days this year. Continue reading »
GreenStep Cities Wraps Up Workshop Series and Celebrates 5 Years of Programming!
July 22, 2015 in Communities Author: Diana McKeownThe final workshop of the GreenStep Cities workshop series focused on Climate Resiliency with examples of tools and planning cities could employ to prepare themselves for changes.
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Neighborhood Leaders in Minneapolis Learn About Community Solar Gardens
May 18, 2015 in Communities Author: Trevor DrakeOver 70 neighborhood leaders gathered at Mayflower Church in Minneapolis on Thursday, April 30th to learn about community solar gardens, including key considerations and specific roles for neighborhoods. Continue reading »
Press Event Highlights Opportunities for Small Business Energy Savings
February 25, 2015 in Communities Author: Trevor Drake
Small businesses are often the anchors of a vibrant community. They’re the places we go to find unique experiences, delicious foods, and local knowledge. They also have a role to play in transforming our energy system and boosting the economy by implementing actions to save energy, reduce overhead costs, and grow their business.
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GreenStep Cities Workshop: Cities and Community Solar
December 12, 2014 in Communities Author: Patrick Mathwig
Community solar has been THE hot energy issue in Minnesota this year. In 2013, the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation that required Xcel Energy, Minnesota’s largest investor owned utility, to administer a community solar gardens (CSG) program, and enabled other utilities to administer them as well. Xcel’s Solar*Rewards Community program officially opened on Friday, December 12th, 2014. Minnesota currently has 14 megawatts of solar, but with the mandate of 1.5% solar by 2020, Minnesota’s solar capacity will increase greatly: by 2020, Minnesota is expected to have 400 megawatts of solar capacity. Continue reading »
GreenStep Cities workshop: Bike, Ped and Transit Options
December 9, 2014 in Communities Author: Patrick Mathwig
November’s GreenStep Cities workshop was all about transportation, with a focus on Complete Streets. The GreenStep Transportation best practices (BPs) and actions are designed to help cities build their streets and cities in a way that better matches their citizen’s needs. Continue reading »
