Getting to Green: Minnesota's energy future

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Minnesota officials have set an ambitious goal for the state to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

Getting there will require generating our electricity from clean sources such as wind and solar, and electrifying vehicles, homes, office buildings, factories and farms that currently rely on fossil fuels.

Getting to Green: Minnesota’s energy future is a MPR News series digging deep into stories of the clean energy transition — and the opportunities and obstacles to reach that milestone.

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Minnesota usurped as national community solar leader
A new report released by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance found that Maine has overtaken Minnesota as the nation’s leader in community solar.
An Earth Day check-in on Minnesota's climate goals
The state is trying to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. It is not on track to meet those goals, if current trends continue.
Minnesota’s energy future
Minnesota aims to be carbon-free by 2050. Here’s a look at what needs to happen until then.
U of M Morris, known for sustainability, takes on renewable heat
The University of Minnesota Morris reached carbon neutrality when it comes to the electricity that powers its campus, thanks to two wind turbines named Bert and Ernie. Now, it's taking steps to decarbonize the source of heat in its buildings.
Opponents of data centers join with critics of power line proposal in northern Minnesota
Opponents of a massive data center proposed by Google in the small northern Minnesota city of Hermantown are also speaking out against a proposed electric transmission line that advocates argue is needed for the transmission of energy generated from renewable sources.
In southeast Minnesota, transmission line for green energy raises environmental concerns
A massive expansion of the electricity grid through southern Minnesota has local landowners and conservationists worried about the impact on wildlife, ground water and the land. Utilities say the project is necessary to expand the reach of renewable energy produced in the upper Midwest.
Lawmakers want Minnesota to study possibility of building new nuclear plants
A coalition of utilities, counties, clean energy groups and labor unions known as the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance is pushing the Legislature to reconsider the state’s moratorium on new nuclear plants. Some legislators want to fund a study of the potential impacts.
Minnesota utilities deploy 'magic balls' to help clean energy transition
A device that looks like a high-tech bowling ball that can be attached to power lines can open up excess capacity on electric transmission lines, paving the way for more solar and wind power — and cost savings for consumers. 
Responding to a warmer and wetter Minnesota
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a climatologist and a climate journalist about how global warming is affecting Minnesota. They discuss what changes means for the people who live here and how the state is measuring up to its climate goals.