Economic Developers Project Planning Resources
This page starts out by showing you the most recent content from across the CERTs website. Jump to detailed resources.
You and members of your community can plan well and work collaboratively toward implementing clean energy projects that will stimulate local economic development, create jobs, advance investment in the clean energy economy, and with the proper outreach garner community-wide support for global warming solutions.
Economic Developers Blog Posts
Abby Finis
Fri, 01/27/2012 - 11:08am
Construction workers from Raymond, Willmar and the surrounding area have benefited from steady work provided through a partnership with the Heartland Community Action Agency. Using money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the agency...
Joel Haskard
Tue, 01/24/2012 - 5:26pm
As we kick off 2012, we are excited to announce the projects awarded CERTs seed grants in each of the seven Minnesota CERTs regions. Each region awarded $10,000 worth of seed grants, catalyzing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects...
Brittney Bray
Thu, 01/19/2012 - 1:19pm
This Fairmont Sentinel Article was originally posted by Jodelle Greiner, staff writer on December 30 2011.
Sites are being prepared for 18 turbines between Guckeen and Blue Earth, which will make up the The Big Blue Wind Farm. The work is set to...
Economic Developers 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.
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...
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...
Upcoming Economic Developers Events
in White Bear Lake
6:00pm to 9:00pm
Economic Developers Event Highlights
Economic Developers on CERTs TV
Funding & Financing Opportunities
There are various opportunities for funding and financing any clean energy project. CERTs offers a list of funding opportunities currently available in the fields of energy and the environment. Start exploring now! Learn more
Looking for technology resources?
If you’re looking to learn more about a specific technology, like energy efficiency, solar, or wind, we have what you’re looking for. Our technology resources include everything from basic introductions and frequently asked questions to CERTs case studies to recent reports and organizations that can help you go deeper. Learn more
CERTs Supported Projects
CERTs awards mini-grants to community groups for energy efficiency and clean energy projects across Minnesota. We awarded grants in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010. The average amount is $5,000. We have descriptions and maps of all of the projects that we’ve funded. Check them out to see what folks are doing! See projects
Detailed Resources for Economic Developers
Minnesota Sustainable Communities (MnSCN) Newsletter
Keep up to date on issues important to economic development, including: Biomass-based Local Economies; MN Green & Affordable Communities by Design; Annual MPCA Environmental Assistance Grants; Wisconsin Universities to Become Energy Self-Sufficient; Minneapolis Energy Proposals & Non-Toxic Cleaners; Change a Light Campaign & Award Programs.
Job Jolt: The Economic Impacts of Repowering the Midwest – Environmental Law & Policy Center
This Clean Energy Development Plan for the Heartland is an economic study done by the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory for the Environmental Law & Policy Center on the impacts of phasing in more clean, energy-efficient technologies and renewable-energy development across the Midwest and Great Plains.
Also read: Repowering Minnesota.
Renewing Minnesota’s Economy – Union of Concerned Scientists
The subtitle of this report explains it all: “A 10 Percent National Renewable Electricity Standard will Create Jobs and Save Consumers Money.”
Minnesota’s Commercial Alternative Energy Industries: Production, policies, and local economics – Center for Rural Policy and Development
A confluence of economic and political forces is leading to renewed attention to the potential for Minnesota to increase its share of homegrown energy. Alternative energy industries, the argument goes, should receive public support because they generate a pattern of spending and outputs that are in some sense better than the patterns of traditional energy industries. Read the report to find out if this is true, what the potential is, and what this could mean for MN.
Apollo Jobs Report: New Energy for America – Apollo Alliance
This report and an Apollo Alliance initiative unite Good Jobs and Energy Independence. Definitely worth the read.
Wind Energy for Rural Economic Development – US DOE EERE
Life on the farm can be tough these days, but there is a bright spot on the rural economic development horizon: wind energy. The wind industry contributes to the economies of 46 states, and the outlook for regional economic growth from wind energy is positive. Read the brochure to learn more.
Clean Energy Resource Teams