Wind Energy Case Studies
With a vast agricultural industry and resources spread over fields and acres, how do you measure the true renewable energy resources of Minnesota? The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute and partners in Southern MN have been working on populating a template to capture the renewable energy potential of their communities.
The Bakken, Minneapolis’ museum of Electricity in Life, is devoted to educating the public about the role of electricity in our lives. Their exhibits cover every aspect of electricity from our own brain function to the inner workings or our televisions. Since its founding in the 1970s the mission has been to “inspire a passion for science and its...
As the clean energy movement sweeps quickly, yet quietly, across Minnesota, communities are discovering new and unique opportunities for renewable energy development. With its diverse and varied landscape, Minnesota has the ability to participate in clean energy development in several ways.
Part of the challenge of teaching is getting students involved and excited about the material they are learning. As science, and especially learning about alternative energy sources becomes more important in today’s world, it is more vital than ever that students are learning about renewable energy sources.
A new wind is sweeping across the North Metro: Collaboration and a shared vision for a better, more sustainable community. It is a vision that is held by many, but seldom actually implemented. In Mahtomedi, Minnesota, the winds of sustainability are blowing, especially near the high school.
Imagine the Minnesota State Fair’s agriculture building with delicious, candy red apples, amazing corn art, and great exhibits with engaging people. Now condense the event into a single day focused exclusively on sustainability. What do you get? The Olmsted County Think Green Fair!
In Fall 2001, the Pipestone-Jasper School District, perfectly sited on Minnesota’s Buffalo Ridge, was awarded one of Xcel Energy’s RDF grants to construct a wind turbine. They harnessed the power of the wind to supply some of their energy needs, and built the wind turbine into their environmental science curriculum.
In the Fall of 2002, two of the first farmer-owned wind projects in Minnesota went online in Rock County. Minwind I and II each consist of two 950 kW turbines. Mark Willers: “We wanted a farmer-owned project that would bring economic development, get farmers a return on their investment, and could use local businesses and contractors to do the...
Moorhead is home to two 750 kW wind turbines, Sephyr and Freedome. Moorhead Public Service’s Capture the Wind program has garnered national attention for its energy program innovation, high levels of participation, and low premium rates.
In September 2000, the Worthington Public Utilities assembled a task force of citizens to investigate the merit of wind power in Worthington. Windustry, a project affiliated with the non-profit Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, funded the feasibility study through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Investigation results were...
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