Minnesota’s Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) is awarding seed grants to 45 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects—including six within the northeast region of Minnesota. The projects range from educational outreach on clean energy incentives, to energy efficiency for manufactured homes, to skill-building for clean energy careers.

Seed grants strive to support historically underserved communities.[1] Underserved communities include Minnesota populations with high energy burdens, where households spend more than 5% of their annual income on energy costs (compared to 2% for the average Minnesota household).

Financial and programmatic support comes from CERTs’ partner the Minnesota Department of Commerce, with additional support from the Morgan Family Foundation. Minnesota’s seven regions are each receiving $43,000. The support will be distributed among the projects which were selected by panels of local residents known as CERTs Regional Steering Committees.

“This new round of CERTs Seed Grants will support community-identified initiatives, help provide jobs and training opportunities, plus engage communities in reaching their clean energy goals,” says Joel Haskard, CERTs co-director.

CERTs Seed Grants encourage projects that help people see clean energy working in their own communities. With over $1.98 million awarded to 509 projects since 2006, the newly funded 2024 projects will provide more opportunities for Minnesota communities to tangibly learn about and experience the benefits of clean energy. 

For more information, visit CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org/2024grants

CERTS SEED GRANTS | NORTHEAST REGION

Arrowhead Cooperative: Grand Portage Community Backup Power Feasibility Study

Grand Portage, Minn.—The project will assess technology options and develop a plan to meaningfully improve the reliability of electric service for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Food Farm: In-depth Energy Analysis for Organic Farms

Wrenshall, Minn.—A comprehensive energy analysis will evaluate the farm’s current energy use, determine the amount of power generated from solar arrays, identify key drivers of energy use, and develop a model to become more efficient. Food Farm will create a template to share with a community of small farms and businesses so they can easily replicate the project.

Just Housing: EmPOWERment - Introducing Green Building

Duluth, Minn.—Just Housing will provide ready-to-use content and resources to educators and students in the Arrowhead region about clean energy, energy efficiency and conservation, resource-efficient design and construction, and career opportunities in green building and clean energy.

Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association: Gap Funding to Pursue Federal Funding for Tribal Clean Energy Projects

Northeast MN—MTERA will provide resources directly to Tribes to fund necessary aspects of clean energy project development and implementation, such as funding grant writers or hiring contractors for specific aspects of projects outside of their or MTERA’s expertise.

MN Interfaith Power and Light: Northland Heat Pump Helpers

Duluth, Minn.—In order to expand heat pump adoption in Duluth, this project will assist homeowners with the home evaluation process, establish a community of “heat pump helpers,” and create a series of success stories.

Slipstream Group, Inc: Manufactured Home Building Basics Training

Northeast MN—This project will develop a curriculum to provide contractors and weatherization staff with a foundation of knowledge on manufactured home structures, heating systems, ductwork, and building science principles.

Statewide project details are available: CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org/2024grants

—

For more info from the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Resources Division and to sign up for the New Energy Programs newsletter: mn.gov/commerce/energy/

About the Clean Energy Resource Teams: The Clean Energy Resource Teams, or CERTs, connects individuals and communities in Minnesota to the resources they need to identify and implement community-based clean energy projects. CERTs is a partnership of the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, Minnesota Department of Commerce, Southwest Regional Development Commission, and the Great Plains Institute. Learn more: CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org

[1] CERTs defines underserved communities as energy burdened communities—those who spend more than 5% of their income on energy costs—and groups historically excluded from energy decisions and opportunities. This includes (but is not limited to) Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, immigrant, low-income, disabled, LGBTQ+, and geographically-isolated communities.