The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced a $4.75 million grant round to support eligible Minnesota communities with power plants fueled by coal, natural gas or nuclear energy that are scheduled to close, have recently closed or are due to have their operating license expire soon.
The Energy Transition Grant program helps the state’s "energy transition communities" minimize the negative consequences from closures and maximize opportunities for future economic growth and community wellbeing. It provides funds for research, planning and implementation activities designed to:
- Assist workers at the plant find new employment, including worker retraining and developing small business start-up skills.
- Increase the community's property tax base.
- Develop alternative economic development strategies to attract new employers to the community.
- Produce site readiness plans, land use studies and long-term economic planning and impact studies.
Eligible communities can apply for grants of up to $1 million for fiscal year 2025 projects. Grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis through June 30, 2025 or until available funds are expended. DEED has released an ongoing call for applications for communities interested in the Energy Transition grant.
