CEEM's 2018 Highlights

As 2018 comes to a close, we reflected on some of the work we are most proud of from the past year. To our members, partners, and collaborators, thank you for working with us! We look forward to a productive 2019.

Delivered the 2018 Minnesota State Energy Factsheet in partnership with Bloomberg New Energy Finance and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy.

• The Factsheet revealed that renewable energy accounts for 25% of electricity produced in Minnesota – meeting the 25% by 2025 Renewable Energy Standard a full seven years ahead of schedule.

Developed the, “Names Behind the Numbers | Minnesota” video series showcasing the breadth and diversity of clean energy jobs throughout the state of Minnesota through six stories of individuals. Names Behind the Numbers has been used as an educational tool that highlights the economic development potential of clean energy.

During 2018 Minnesota Legislative session, CEEM and partners, organized and hosted over 100 business leaders for the second annual Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol.

• Governor Dayton declared March 22 as “Clean Energy Business Day” in Minnesota recognizing, “Minnesota’s nation-leading clean energy policies have established a unique competitive advantage for innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to deliver value-added products and services growing Minnesota’s clean energy markets.”

Led the in-state rollout of the 2018 Clean Jobs Midwest report, a survey of clean energy employment in 12 Midwestern states.

• Highlighted that 59,000 Minnesotans work in clean energy with jobs growing at a rate two times faster than all other sectors of the state’s economy. 40% of workers are employed in Greater Minnesota and the industry employs six times more Minnesotans than fossil fuels.

Created a policy roadmap for Minnesota’s Gubernatorial candidates in collaboration with Advanced Energy Economy. The roadmap outlines policy priorities that the now Governor-elect Walz can pursue to harness clean energy and create jobs though market signals and policy stability.

Curated quarterly networking events to convene clean energy business leaders around a topical issue, such as grid modernization. In 2018, we were pleased to have excellent turnout at our events, and hope you’ll join for our next one. Here’s what some attendees had to say about our events:

•  “Classy event and good speakers,” “Always a broad group of stakeholders and good networking,” “Lots of positive energy.”

Convened dozens of legislator education meetings on key issues, like energy efficiency and grid modernization, where business members shared how policies impact their business and investment decisions. In 2018, we more than doubled the number of in-district business and policymaker meetings held in the previous year.