Minnesota is a leader in zero-carbon power generation

Zero-carbon power accounts for 54% of all Minnesota electricity generated in 2023. This is the fourth consecutive year that zero-carbon power has made up the majority of Minnesota’s electricity. The national average is 41%

Clean Energy Economy Minnesota and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy released a report on April 30, 2024, showing the growth in sustainable power. You can read it here: NEW REPORT: Minnesota demonstrates significant clean energy progress and leadership (cleanenergyeconomymn.org)

Highlights from the report:

  • Carbon emissions reductions: Minnesota’s power sector carbon emissions are down 54% below 2005 levels, outpacing the national reduction of 42%. The state achieved a 10% reduction in power sector emissions over the last year alone.
  • Renewable energy milestones: Renewable sources contributed to one-third of the state’s electricity generation in 2023, showcasing a significant move toward cleaner energy alternatives.
  • Electric vehicle adoption: A surge in electric vehicle registrations, with a 55% increase from 2022, underscores Minnesotans’ growing preference for sustainable transportation options.
  • Advancements in hydrogen energy: Electrolyzer shipments, including from Minnesota-based Cummins, saw a dramatic rise in 2023, bolstered by incentives from the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
  • Growth in renewable energy capacity: Over the past five years, Minnesota added 2.2 GW of renewable energy capacity while reducing coal dependency by 1.2 GW.
  • Increased energy productivity: Minnesota has enhanced its energy productivity by 33% since 2001, emphasizing efficiency and innovation in its energy use.
  • Zero-carbon electricity already powers Minnesota: For the fourth consecutive year, zero-carbon sources provided the majority of Minnesota’s electricity, with 54% coming from zero-carbon sources in 2023.

For more information:

2024-Minnesota-Energy-Factsheet.pdf (cleanenergyeconomymn.org)

MN-Factsheet-Infographic-2024.pdf (cleanenergyeconomymn.org)

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