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Projects will produce and conserve enough energy to power the equivalent of 15,727 homes

U.S. Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-Minnesota) on Tuesday announced nearly 130 new clean energy projects across rural Minnesota.

The $15.6 million investment will save farms and rural small businesses nearly $18.4 million on their energy bills per year while simultaneously reducing harmful carbon emissions, according to a press release.

“The clean energy transition is happening; the question is whether we lead or follow. I want us to lead,” Smith said. “But as we make the switch to cleaner, cheaper energy, we need to make sure everyone benefits, including small towns and rural communities. That’s one reason why projects funded by the Rural Energy for America Program are so important. These investments will help farmers and business owners save money and improve their bottom lines while reducing harmful carbon emissions.”

Local projects include the following:

• Faribault County: Minnesota Lake, Blue Earth and Wells, $432,509, purchase and install a 50kW solar array for three farm locations.
• Faribault County: Frost, $25,500, purchase and install a 20.4kW solar array for a construction company.
• Freeborn County: Glenville, $55,455, purchase and install a 38 kW solar array for a farm.

“Investing in long-term energy is a win-win for rural customers and businesses,” Klobuchar said. “With this federal funding, we’re taking a big step toward deploying new energy technologies to power rural communities across Minnesota for decades to come.”

This year alone, Minnesota has seen over 380 clean energy projects on farms and in rural communities thanks to the Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP). Smith championed and strengthened REAP in the Inflation Reduction Act, which both senators supported.

The funding is specifically set aside for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable, clean energy systems, or to make their operations more energy efficient. Example projects include installing energy efficient grain dryers, LED lighting and heat mats for livestock, solar panels or energy efficient heating and cooling systems.