Wind

Despite setback, Big Stone II still slated for 2010 construction

By Jon Pike 7/20/09

Despite a metro-area city backing out of the project, representatives for the proposed Big Stone II power facility say they remain optimistic about the plant’s future, while opponents are still saying that it means dirty power for the Dakotas and Minnesota.

Minnesota’s Green Economy: Legislators want to power up state’s green-job strategy

By Dan Haugen 4/29/08

In this two-part series, Minnesota Monitor examines the state’s efforts to build a greener industrial base and create new jobs in the process. Part I: When it comes to recruiting “green-collar” jobs to Minnesota, critics say Gov. Tim Pawlenty has had a lower profile than some of his peers. Part II: Minnesota has a “ground-up” [...]

Minnesota’s Green Economy: Pawlenty gets out-hustled by his peers in recruitment of green jobs

By Dan Haugen 4/28/08

In this two-part series, Minnesota Monitor examines the state’s efforts to build a greener industrial base and create new jobs in the process. Monday: When it comes to recruiting “green-collar” jobs to Minnesota, critics say Gov. Tim Pawlenty has had a lower profile than some of his peers. Tuesday: Minnesota has a “ground-up” strategy to [...]

Energy progress blowin’ in the wind

By Dan Haugen 2/7/08

Wind continues to grow, albeit slowly, as a source of state energy, according to a variety of reports from around the state:

A couple southwestern Minnesota electric co-ops are making their first forays into wind power. Federated Rural Electric Association and Nobles Cooperative Electric are each receiving $2.5 million in bonds from a federal program to [...]

Ontario may allow offshore wind farms in Great Lakes

By Dan Haugen 2/6/08

Ontario is lifting a ban on offshore wind turbines in the Great Lakes, according to a report at RenewableEnergyAccess.com. The Canadian province’s decision to consider applications comes after a study with the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory on wind speeds and the potential impact on wildlife in the region. An Ontario official says the province [...]

Green Collar: Renewable Energy Jobs Could Boost State’s Economy

By Dan Haugen 11/27/07

Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy has potential to stabilize not only the planet’s climate but also the nation’s struggling manufacturing sector.

A new think-tank report says a national program to develop renewable energy would generate tens of thousands of jobs, including about 18,000 in Minnesota. Those workers would manufacture everything from gears and shafts [...]