We're pleased to announce the addition of a new tool in the Community Wind Toolbox: a chapter all about Power Purchase Agreements.

Click here to go to the report.

The spring 2008 CERTs Request for Proposals are now available! Are you looking for a source of funding to start a clean energy project in your county, community, or school? CERTs may be able to help!

Yesterday's Star Tribune reports that Rep. David Bly (Northfield) is expected to announce new legislation to encourage small, locally-owned projects in Minnesota following a model that has seen much success in Germany.

Click here to read the article on the Star Tribune website.

According to the Xcel Energy website, "Xcel Energy is soliciting proposals for wind resources for its NSP system. Xcel Energy will be accepting proposals for wind resources that the company will acquire under a build-transfer arrangement. The proposal submission deadline is February 29, 2008." The RFP does allow for projects with up to 1/3 of the total project MW retained by the bidder.

Click here to download the complete RFP as a PDF.

The Community Wind Toolbox offers high-quality practical information, interactive tools, and links to related information for farmers and rural landowners looking to develop commercial-scale wind projects.

Click on the icon below to go to the Toolbox!

With the Energy Bill being signed this week void of a national Renewable Energy Standard, many Americans are wondering how other policy can help support renewable energy development in rural America. One answer is the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP, previously called Section 9006 of the Farm Bill), which provides grants and loan guarantees to farmers, ranchers and rural, small businesses for renewable energy development and energy efficiency improvements.

The Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs), via the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (U of MN Regional Partnerships) and Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC), seek to provide limited financial assistance for energy efficiency and/or renewable energy projects requiring technical assistance.

New Law Passed to Advance Community Energy Projects
Next Generation Energy Act Helps MN Farmers and Small Businesses Build Renewable Energy Projects

St. Paul, MN – (5/25/07) Today Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the Next Generation Energy Act (SF145), which includes critical provisions that will help rural communities build wind farms, biomass power plants and other renewable energy facilities.

NEW ENERGY: A fresh look at how the Midwest is creating a green energy economy

Windustry has partnered with Twin Cities Public Television and Erika Johnson to tell the story of how wind, biofuels, and other renewable energy technologies are contributing to the region’s energy security, economic sustainability, and integrity of our natural resources.