Our goal is to provide the resources you need to be well-informed, so you can effectively engage in the decision-making processes happening around your region.
State Permitting Processes
Resources on permitting processes for solar (>50 MW), wind (>5 MW), and battery energy storage systems (>10 MW).
Commenting in a PUC Docket
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Tips for effective comments, along how to submit a comment.
Energy Infrastructure Permitting
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
The Energy Infrastructure Permitting Act establishes clear guidelines for evaluating and approving site and route permits for energy facilities while ensuring environmental and community considerations are addressed. The Act took effect on July 1, 2025, requiring all new applications submitted after this date to comply with the updated regulations.
Energy Storage
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Focuses on the permitting process for energy storage systems 10 megawatts or larger, which require a site permit from the PUC. It includes a table of proposed energy storage projects currently in the PUC permitting process.
Guidance for Successful Tribal Engagement
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Guidance for energy infrastructure developers in working effectively with the Tribal governments who share geography with Minnesota.
Permitting Guidance
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Essential guidance documents and resources for project proposers navigating the energy infrastructure permitting process with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, including:
- Application Guidance for Large Energy Infrastructure Facilities in Minnesota
- Guidance for successful Tribal Engagement
Solar Energy Permitting
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Outlines the PUC's permitting process for solar electric generating facilities with a capacity of 50 megawatts or greater. It provides details on public involvement, other resources, and includes a table of proposed solar farms currently in the permitting process. It also links to resources on rooftop solar and net metering.
Wind Energy Permitting
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Details the permitting process for wind energy projects 5 megawatts or larger seeking a site permit from the PUC. It includes a table of proposed wind farms in the permitting process.
Local Planning and Zoning
Resources on local planning and zoning, which directly impact community scale development (solar <50 MW, wind <5 MW, battery energy storage systems <10 MW) and are considered in state permitting processes for larger projects.
Solar@Scale: A Local Government Guidebook for Improving Large-Scale Solar Development Outcomes
International City/County Management Association; American Planning Association
The purpose of this guidebook is to help local government practitioners—including planners, economic development professionals, local government managers, and elected and appointed officials — make decisions that improve large-scale solar development outcomes.
Landscape Impacts
Resources on agriculture, habitat, and other landscape impacts, as well as environmental review.
Agrivoltaics 101
National Laboratory of the Rockies
Suite of resources on agrivoltaics (co-located solar and agriculture), including agrivoltaics basics, case studies, design considerations, and other implementation guidance.
Data Centers FAQ
Minnesota Environmental Quality Board
A list of frequently asked questions regarding environmental review for large or hyperscale data center projects. It addresses when environmental review is needed, project definition, the applicability of an Alternative Urban Areawide Review, and handling of nonpublic data, along with best practices for early coordination.
Environmental Review – Additional Resources
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Environmental review guidance documents, including (among others):
- Commercial Solar Siting Guidance
- DNR Guidance for Commercial Wind Energy Projects
- Commercial Solar Siting Guidance
- Prairie Establishment & Maintenance Technical Guidance for Solar Projects
- Avian and Bat Survey Protocols For Wind Energy Projects
- The Rare Species Guide
- Natural Heritage Review
Great Lakes Data Center Resource Hub
Great Plains Institute
The Great Lakes Data Center Resource Hub is a living, searchable collection of relevant tools, reports, policy examples, and technical assistance providers organized to be useful to state and local government officials in the Great Lakes Region and beyond.
Minnesota Habitat Friendly Solar Program
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
The Habitat Friendly Solar Program supports the establishment of habitat for pollinators, songbirds and other species in addition to project co-benefits such as water management, grazing and soil health. Support is provided through a combination of technical resources, collaboration with conservation partners and project assessment forms. Includes links to additional resources, such as:
- Prairie Establishment & Maintenance Technical Guidance for Solar Projects (MN Department of Natural Resources)
- Sample Habitat Friendly Solar Planting Plan Specifications (MN Board of Water and Soil Resources)
