Renewable Energy
On-farm renewable energy can reduce costs, increase resilience, and provide new opportunities for farm families. Minnesota Farmers Union Foundation (MFUF) works with partners to provide reliable information for farms considering renewable energy projects.
Distributed Wind and Solar
Distributed energy refers to power that is generated where it is used, and is often smaller in scale than larger, utility-scale generation. Distributed energy can include home-, business- or farm-scale production that serves local users. Interest in distributed energy has increased among MFU membership as technology has improved, making farm-scale renewable energy more accessible.
MFUF is partnering with the National Laboratory of the Rockies on the Rural and Agricultural Income & Savings from Renewable Energy (RAISE) initiative to help farmers and rural communities use their land to generate new revenue streams from renewable energy. The goal of the RAISE initiative is to enable farmers to keep farming and preserve farmland while also enjoying the benefits of locally generated energy.
Farmers' Guide to Solar and Wind Energy in Minnesota
Created in partnership with Farmers' Legal Action Group, the Farmer's Guide to Solar and Wind Energy in Minnesota helps farmers understand legal issues related to wind and solar energy.
Green Ammonia
Green ammonia is a type of ammonia produced using renewable energy sources, like wind or solar power. Unlike traditional ammonia, which is made from fossil fuels, green ammonia is made by combining hydrogen (obtained from water using renewable energy) with nitrogen from the air.
Fossil derived nitrogen fertilizer accounts for up to two percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes up to 35% of the carbon footprint of corn. The fertilizer industry is also heavily concentrated, with just four companies controlling 75% of the market. Regionally produced green ammonia offers the possibility of decarbonizing the agricultural sector while creating more competitive markets for farm inputs.
Minnesota Siting Collaborative
The Minnesota Siting Collaborative is a group of organizations coordinated by the Clean Energy Resource Teams working to expand the decision-making capacity and expertise of state and local governments regarding large-scale energy generation and large-load infrastructure planning, siting, and permitting in Minnesota. As a member of the collaborative, MFUF is working to ensure that the voice of family farms and rural residents is at the table to ensure that large-scale energy generation works for, and benefits, all Minnesotans.
