Getting to Green: Minnesota's energy future

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Minnesota officials have set an ambitious goal for the state to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

Getting there will require generating our electricity from clean sources such as wind and solar, and electrifying vehicles, homes, office buildings, factories and farms that currently rely on fossil fuels.

Getting to Green: Minnesota’s energy future is a MPR News series digging deep into stories of the clean energy transition — and the opportunities and obstacles to reach that milestone.

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Transforming a 1909 St. Paul house into an all-electric green home for the future
A St. Paul couple transformed their century-old home into an all-electric green home for the future, showing the way for other homeowners to help reduce the amount of carbon emissions Minnesotans generate in their homes.
 Wind and solar energy producers frustrated by connection delays, congestion in power grid
Across Minnesota, solar and wind companies are building new facilities to generate green energy. However, many are frustrated by long delays in getting connected to the power grid, and then when they do, many find they cannot operate at full capacity because the grid cannot handle it. 
Solar fence stops snow and generates electricity
Minnesota uses miles of snow fences to catch blowing snow before it drifts onto roadways in a typical winter. At a one-of-a-kind test site near Moorhead, researchers are finding a year-round use for the snow fence.
Minnesota schools testing electric buses find benefits and barriers
A handful of Minnesota school districts are experimenting with electric buses. Early adopters find a lot to like about the clean running, quiet vehicles — but there are key barriers to wider adoption of the technology.
Native-led EV initiative launches by distributing millions of dollars worth of vehicles to tribal communities
Native-led renewable energy program startup Electric Nation is sending millions of dollars worth of electric vehicles to two tribal communities in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Getting to Green: Shifting to electric vehicles
Electric vehicles can save money on gas and reduce carbon emissions. What are the challenges to getting more on the road? MPR News correspondents Dan Kraker and Kirsti Marohn talk with guests and listeners about EVs in their Getting to Green series about the climate crisis and Minnesota’s energy future.  
When it comes to climate warming, cow burps are no joke
Animal agriculture is the largest source of the climate-warming gas methane in Minnesota. Researchers are looking for ways to reduce methane at the source — a cow’s stomach. The science is promising, but a quick solution is unlikely.
Getting to Green: One home at a time  
A greener home reduces carbon emissions and can cut energy bills. But how do you get there? MPR News correspondents Dan Kraker and Kirsti Marohn guest host the second of three shows focused on the climate crisis and Minnesota’s energy future.