Prairie Island Indian Community makes waves of progress towards net zero

Members of the Prairie Island Indian Community descend from the Bdewakantunwan (Mdewakanton) Band of Eastern Dakota, or those who were “born of the waters.” For generations, Prairie Island families have lived along the Mississippi River, where water continues to represent life, renewal, and connection to all living things.

Today, that connection takes on new meaning. The community faces increased flooding, extreme weather, and other pressures that make these challenges even more urgent.

“I think many in Minnesota are familiar with the history at Prairie Island and the community's proximity to the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant,” says Zimmerman. “The plant was placed next to the community more than 50 years ago without proper tribal consultation, and presents potential risks to the community.”

Yet the Tribe refused to be limited by this history. Zimmerman says the setback has strengthened the community’s resolve, reinforcing their commitment to protect and preserve the natural world.

“Prairie Island’s net zero work is the community’s response,” she explains. “It’s the Tribe’s way of expressing energy sovereignty and embodying the community's values,” Zimmerman says.

“That’s part of what makes their work so outstanding,” Lindahl says. “They’ve taken the situation and turned it into positive action.”

Four years after setting an ambitious net zero goal, Prairie Island is seeing real results. The community is reducing carbon emissions through commercial geothermal systems, solar energy, and energy efficiency initiatives. At the same time, Prairie Island has restored more than 400 acres of native prairie and invested in wild rice, shoreline, and oak savanna projects. Their efforts also extend into tribal members’ homes and workforce development, creating ripple effects throughout the community.

• 5.4-megawatt solar project
  Live since May 2024, the project delivers 100 percent renewable energy to the local utility through a power purchase agreement. It produces enough clean electricity to power about 725 Minnesota homes annually.
• Residential energy audit and upgrade program
  Launched in 2024, the program helps tribal members reduce utility bills and carbon footprints while improving home comfort. 30+ households have received energy audits to date, with installations of insulation, HVAC systems, and other upgrades ongoing.
• Home Energy Career Training
  Hosted in Summer 2025, co-funded by Xcel Energy, and led by the Center for Energy and Environment, the 3-week session trained community members and their relatives in residential energy performance. All participants passed the Building Science Institute’s Building Science Principles exam to receive an industry credential.
• Treasure Island Resort and Casino conversion
  Prairie Island is in final stages of construction on a project that converts the one-million-square-foot facility from natural gas to a geothermal and cleaner electric system for all heating, cooling, and hot water needs.

“Our Net Zero effort is a transformational project, not just for our Tribe but all of Indian Country,” said Tribal Council member Mgeni. “Our members played an important role in shaping the project vision and priorities, and now its implementation as we seek to create balance with Ina Maka, or Mother Earth.”

Prairie Island’s vision and results were open to all during the summer event with CERTs. The programming offered a closer look at how their projects are shaping the land and community. Additionally, attendees connected with representatives from industry leaders, like Citizens Utility Board, the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, Minnesota GreenStep Cities & Tribal Nations, and Resilient Red Wing.

“It’s valuable to share our work, but what matters most are forums like these where people can connect, learn from each other, and collaborate,” says Zimmerman. “The local clean energy industry is so creative and solution-focused, and it was wonderful to see that in action at the event.”

Lindahl says the event was a great success and a generous opportunity to the region.

“Prairie Island continues to show us all what’s possible when a community leads with vision, persistence, and a deep respect for the land and future generations,” she says. “This event was a chance to celebrate Prairie Island’s hard-won achievements and look to the future together.”
“There’s still a lot to achieve going forward,” Zimmerman says. “But it was wonderful to take a step back and reflect on how far we’ve come.”