2022 Minnesota Energy Factsheet
The Minnesota Energy Factsheet is a companion to the 2022 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook, compiled by research firm BloombergNEF for the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE).
Download infographic Download reportKey findings from the factsheet
Of electricity provided by renewables
Renewable sources provided 28 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.
About the Minnesota Energy Factsheet
The Minnesota Energy Factsheet is a companion to the 2022 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook, compiled by research firm BloombergNEF for the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE). 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.
More than half of Minnesota’s power came from zero-carbon sources in 2021.
Minnesota is also on its way to achieving energy independence – with energy imports falling to just 10% in 2021, compared to 22% a decade ago.
These statistics, along with other highlights described below, show how Minnesota is working to create a better 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 45% below 2005 levels vs. the 35% reduction nationwide.
Power sector emissions in Minnesota have fallen 40% in the last decade. The rebound in economic activity in 2021 has corresponded to a 9% increase in emissions, but they remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Clean energy is powering the state
Zero-carbon power continued to be the majority of Minnesota’s electricity, at 52% in 2021, including wind, solar, hydro, and biomass – compared to the national average of 39%!
Renewable technologies provided 28% of Minnesota’s generation in 2021. Over the last decade, renewable generation has risen 60% 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 9th 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 29% from 25% in 2020.
“The data from last year shows how the clean energy transition is happening in Minnesota in real time, and the decline of energy imports is an especially exciting metric as we work to achieve energy independence. The challenges of 2021 have demonstrated why it’s more important than ever to continue expanding our clean energy sector with thoughtful policy and smart investments.”
Gregg Mast
Executive Director, Clean Energy Economy MN
Clean energy is powering MN's economy
55,300 Minnesotans work in clean energy with 40% of these jobs residing in Greater MN. For more information on clean jobs in Minnesota, view our Clean Jobs Midwest report.
Minnesotans are choosing electric vehicles at an increasing rate. Annual registrations for electric vehicles have increased 300% in the last 5 years.
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