SF2018

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 216B.1691, Subdivision 2g, regarding the state's carbon-free energy standards.

Key provisions of the bill:

1. Carbon-Free Energy Requirements:

   • Sets targets for electric utilities to generate or procure electricity from carbon-free energy technologies:
     • By 2030:
     • Public utilities must achieve 80% carbon-free electricity.
     • Other electric utilities must achieve 60% carbon-free electricity.
     • By 2035: 90% carbon-free electricity for all electric utilities.
     • By 2040: 100% carbon-free electricity for all electric utilities.

2. Inclusion of Biodiesel (B100) as Carbon-Free Energy:

   • Expands the definition of "carbon-free technology" to include electricity generated by peaking facilities (power plants that operate mainly during periods of high demand) that utilize only biodiesel fuel (B100).
   • This inclusion is limited to the first 400 hours per year during which the peaking facility operates exclusively on biodiesel.

This amendment recognizes biodiesel as a carbon-free energy source under specific conditions, allowing utilities to meet their clean energy targets while incorporating biofuels into the energy mix.