Minnesota has once again proven itself a leader in the clean energy transition, with the 2024 Minnesota Energy Factsheet showing that zero-carbon power generated 54% of the state’s electricity in 2023. The report, released today by Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), marks the fourth consecutive year that zero-carbon power has made up the majority of Minnesota’s electricity (54%), compared to the national share of carbon-free power at just 41%.
Highlights from this year’s Factsheet include:
- Carbon emissions reductions: Minnesota’s power sector carbon emissions are down 54% below 2005 levels, outpacing the national reduction of 42%. The state achieved a 10% reduction in power sector emissions over the last year alone.
- Renewable energy milestones: Renewable sources contributed to one-third of the state’s electricity generation in 2023, showcasing a significant move toward cleaner energy alternatives.
- Electric vehicle adoption: A surge in electric vehicle registrations, with a 55% increase from 2022, underscores Minnesotans’ growing preference for sustainable transportation options.
- Advancements in hydrogen energy: Electrolyzer shipments, including from Minnesota-based Cummins, saw a dramatic rise in 2023, bolstered by incentives from the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
- Growth in renewable energy capacity: Over the past five years, Minnesota added 2.2 GW of renewable energy capacity while reducing coal dependency by 1.2 GW.
- Increased energy productivity: Minnesota has enhanced its energy productivity by 33% since 2001, emphasizing efficiency and innovation in its energy use.
- Zero-carbon electricity already powers Minnesota: For the fourth consecutive year, zero-carbon sources provided the majority of Minnesota’s electricity, with 54% coming from zero-carbon sources in 2023.
