U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) 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. A full breakdown of the awards and projected savings can be found online. 

“The clean energy transition is happening; the question is whether we lead or follow. I want us to lead,” said Sen. Smith. “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.”  

“Investing in long-term energy is a win-win for rural customers and businesses,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “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). Sen. 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.

Total Investment: $15,629,305; 

Total in Energy Savings (kWh/Year): 170,433,830 kilowatt hours per year, enough to power 15,727 homes;

Total in Energy Savings ($/Year): $18,414,061 per year.