A statewide study of dispersed renewable generation potential. Identifies locations in the existing transmission grid where projects could be operated. The study was done in two phases. Includes a total of six reports. In the document search link above, select Energy Data and Reports and go to the topic called Dispersed Renewable Generation. (supply and distribution – main, solar, wind, bio – secondary)
The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is one of the most important planning tools and road maps for each electric utility. In general, the goal of an IRP is to set out a reasonable plan to ensure that a utility can meet its customers’ needs in a reliable and low-cost manner. The word “integrated” refers to the goal of ensuring that the utility uses both generation and demand-response resources. The Division of Energy Resources ensures that the utility has a reasonable (e.g., low-cost and in compliance with statutes) plan to meet its customers’ needs. Further, based on the division’s analysis, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission determines in an IRP whether or not a utility has made a “good-faith effort” to meet Minnesota’s renewable energy standard (RES).
Historical data on utility scale wind capacity and generation is available through the Energy Information Administration (EIA) State Renewable Electricity profiles. Click on the hyperlink for "Minnesota" to access these statistics.
Minnesota has numerous wind farms, particularly in the southwest, and is a major producer of wind power. Wind contributes nearly 5 percent of Minnesota’s electricity production. Resource from the Energy Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Energy.