2023 Minnesota Energy Factsheet
The Minnesota Energy Factsheet is a companion to the 2023 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook. This project is made possible with the partnership of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and data contributions from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, BloombergNEF, and the MN Department of Commerce.
Download infographic Download reportKey findings from the factsheet
Of electricity provided by renewables
Renewable sources provided 31 percent of Minnesota’s electricity including wind, solar, hydro, and biomass.
Of power from zero-carbon sources
Zero-carbon energy sources include all renewable and nuclear energy.
Power sector emissions reduction
in Minnesota have fallen 35% in the last decade, including 7% in 2022.
Renewable generation
has risen 75% in the last decade, from 10.6TWh in 2012 to 18.6TWh in 2022, accounting for 81% of all new power-generating capacity.
About the Minnesota Energy Factsheet
The Minnesota Energy Factsheet is a companion to the 2023 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook. This project is made possible with the partnership of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and data contributions from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, BloombergNEF, and the MN Department of Commerce and funding from the McKnight Foundation. The Factsheet outlines key trends influencing national and state investment and economics, energy supply and energy demand. As the American energy sector continues its transformation to cleaner, cheaper sustainable energy, Minnesota remains a leader.
Last year, renewable energy continued to be Minnesota’s largest power generation source, providing nearly a third of Minnesota’s electricity.
For the third consecutive year, more than half (55%) of Minnesota’s power came from zero-carbon sources. Minnesota is also well on its way to achieving energy independence – slashing energy imports by more than half to just 9% in 2022, compared to 25% a decade ago.
The state also continues to outpace the nation in emission reductions – now nearly 50% below 2005 levels vs. the 40% reduction nationwide.
These statistics, along with other highlights described below, show how Minnesota is working to create a strong clean energy economy. To learn about the clean energy jobs that are facilitating this work, visit our Clean Jobs page.
Minnesota is reducing its emissions
Minnesota continues to outpace the nation in emission reductions – now 50% below 2005 levels vs. the 40% reduction nationwide.
Power sector emissions in Minnesota have fallen nearly 35% in the last decade. In 2022, emissions dropped 7% to near 2020 levels.
Clean energy is powering the state
For the third consecutive year, zero-carbon power remained the majority of Minnesota’s electricity, at 55%, including wind, solar, hydro, and biomass – compared to the national share of 41%!
Renewable technologies provided 31% of Minnesota’s generation in 2022. Over the last decade, renewable generation has risen 75% and accounts for 81% of all new power-generating capacity built during that time.
MN is a leader in energy efficiency
Minnesota is ranked first in the Midwest and 10th in the country for its overall energy efficiency programs according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
Minnesota’s energy productivity (how efficiently we use energy) increased to 31% from 29% in 2021.
“This year’s Factsheet demonstrates how Minnesota has locked in the transition to a clean energy economy. Not only have we made significant strides in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, we’ve achieved 55% carbon-free power. With our goal of creating 100,000 clean energy jobs on our way to 100% clean energy by 2040, I am confident that we will continue to grow the industry and lead the way towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all Minnesotans.”
Gregg Mast
Executive Director, Clean Energy Economy MN
Clean energy is powering MN's economy
57,931 Minnesotans work in clean energy with nearly 40% of these jobs residing in Greater MN. For more information on clean jobs in Minnesota, view our Clean Jobs Midwest report.
Minnesotans are increasingly choosing electric vehicles. There are currently four times as many EVs on Minnesota roads as there were in 2018, and more than 1000x as many as in 2013.
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