Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to update the definition of "carbon-free" energy technologies in the context of Minnesota's energy policies. This aims to support the state's transition towards cleaner energy sources by refining which technologies are considered carbon-free.

Main Provisions

• The bill defines "carbon-free" as a technology capable of generating electricity without emitting carbon dioxide. It includes technologies that can meet at least 50% of a utility's annual retail electricity sales in Minnesota through certain methods.
• Notably, the bill now includes technologies that generate electricity by burning wood chips derived from byproducts of timber harvesting operations and discarded wood products.
• The bill lists eligible energy technologies that can be classified as renewable, such as solar, wind, small hydroelectric projects, hydrogen generated from renewable resources, and certain types of biomass.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The major change is the inclusion of wood chip combustion, under specific conditions, as a technology that can be deemed carbon-free. This expands the pool of technologies eligible for consideration under Minnesota's renewable energy targets.
• The provision specifies the use of wood derived from non-energy purposes or discarded wood products, aligning with sustainable resource utilization practices.

Relevant Terms

carbon-free, electricity, carbon dioxide, utility, wood chips, timber harvesting, renewable energy, solar, wind, hydroelectric, hydrogen, biomass, landfill gas, anaerobic digester, wastewater effluent, environmental justice.