Renewable Energy
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| SWIF is helping advance the renewable energy industry in southwest Minnesota to keep wealth in the region and help residents capitalize on the many opportunities related to renewable energy. |
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Since 2003, the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) has played a significant role in the development of the region’s growing renewable energy industry.
As of 2005, southwest Minnesota boasts more than 554 MW of wind generated electricity, 228 million gallons of annual ethanol production capacity, 36 million gallons of bio-diesel production and the nation’s first turkey litter fueled biomass project, FibroMinn in Benson, Minn., which is projected to generate 55 MW of electricity.
The activities in renewable energy are helping to transform southwest Minnesota into a major regional renewable energy center and bring tremendous economic opportunity to a region with a rich agricultural economy. SWIF is working to further facilitate advancement of the renewable energy sector and keep the resulting wealth in the region by helping are residents capitalize on the many renewable energy opportunities – those that already exist, as well as those that will be developed in the years ahead.
Renewable Energy Initiative Objectives:
- Invest in and support renewable energy ventures that optimize wealth retention in the region.
- Achieve national and international recognition for the region as a renewable energy center.
- Connect the region’s current and future workforce to career opportunities in renewable energy.
- Support community-based renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
- Facilitate regional discussion and advocacy for renewable energy.
Renewable Energy Initiative Activities:
- Rural Energy Development Initiative (REDI)
- Youth Energy Summit (YES!)
- Renewable Energy Loan Program
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Renewable Energy and Career Awareness
Growth and success in the renewable energy sector will mean jobs and career opportunities in the region, but young people and workers in transition will miss out on these opportunities if they are not aware of the jobs or don’t have the needed skills and training. The goal of this component is to connect the region’s current and future workforce to career opportunities in renewable energy by supporting the development of renewable energy educational programs and career awareness activities in the region.
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