Getting to Green: Minnesota's energy future

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.

Have a question or story idea? Let us know with this form.

August 7, 2023 12:53 PM

How could Minnesota become carbon-free? New MPR News series dives in

On Tuesday mornings, our reporters will be exploring the opportunities — but also the challenges — the state faces as it moves away from fossil fuels and toward more climate-friendly energy sources.

by Cathy Wurzer, Gretchen Brown, Kirsti Marohn and Dan Kraker

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

July 26, 2023 12:35 PM

Company building solar panels on the Iron Range plans to expand to the Twin Cities

A Canadian company operating one of the largest solar panel manufacturing plants in the country on Minnesota’s Iron Range plans to spend about $145 million to open another facility in the Twin Cities.

by Dan Kraker

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

June 20, 2023 4:00 AM

Minnesota nickel mine brings environmental promise, but also concerns

Talon Metals is expected to soon submit plans to build an underground nickel mine outside the town of Tamarack, Minn., with the goal of supplying metals to build electric vehicle batteries. But skepticism over whether the company can mine safely persists.

by Dan Kraker

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

June 18, 2023 8:39 AM

In some fights over solar, it's environmentalist vs. environmentalist

The U.S. needs a lot more renewable energy to meet its climate goals. In some communities, the opposition to large solar projects comes from environmentalists themselves.

by Julia Simon

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

April 26, 2023 2:25 PM

Minnesota is committed to 100 percent clean energy. An unprecedented amount of federal funding is available. How will it all come together?

State and federal legislation lay the groundwork for a clean energy revolution in Minnesota. Advocates are fighting to ensure diverse communities are included.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

February 10, 2023 4:00 AM

‘Rusty’ batteries could hold key to Minnesota's carbon-free power future

Two Minnesota utilities plan to install iron-air battery storage systems as they transition to clean energy sources. The batteries are made of iron, an element that’s abundant around the world — including in Minnesota.

by Kirsti Marohn

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

February 2, 2023 4:00 AM

Minnesota's carbon-free electricity bill: 8 questions, answered

The measure that sets ambitious standards for clean energy in Minnesota over the next 17 years cleared its final legislative hurdle late Thursday night, and is headed to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature.

by Kirsti Marohn

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.