EIC Masthead 72

Energy Innovation Corridor e-Newsletter
Minnesota's clean energy and transportation showcase  

 

August 2013
  
Welcome to the August issue of the Energy Innovation Corridor e-Newsletter. Thank you for your continued interest in how we are partnering to develop a cleaner energy and transportation future for Minnesota.
  
Questions or comments? Send us an email.
In This Issue
Three years of results
Minneapolis Fire Station #4 goes solar
Proposed EIC projects for RDF grants
Interested in EVs?
SAVE ENERGY & MONEY
City of Saint Paul Sustainable Initiatives
HOURCAR expands at the U of M

Three years of results

EIC Web logo 
Three years of achievements are adding up. Check out how our partnership is making progress here. 

Minneapolis Fire Station #4 goes solar

Learn more about this project.

Check out all the showcase projects.

Proposed EIC projects for RDF grants

Twenty projects have been recommended to receive grants from Xcel Energy's Renewable Development Fund. Approval is required by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Three projects in the EIC made the list and one on the reserve list.

Solar panels  

Recommended projects in the EIC

 

Innovative Power Systems, Inc.: Green Line Solar Corridor

This 967 kW solar PV project will demonstrate a public-private tax equity investment structure. The project will consist of five different solar PV arrays roof-mounted on five commercial buildings along University Avenue. Three of the arrays will be "off-azimuth," which should provide for greater solar output later in the day when loads are at or near peak levels. The project will use new and larger solar modules, rated at 410 or 440 watts, manufactured by Minnesota-based tenKsolar. The project will demonstrate tenKsolar's RAIS-WAVE module architecture. Project generation will be consumed on site.

 

Target Corporation: Target Midway Solar PV Project

This 350 kW solar PV project will be located at the Target Midway store adjacent to the Central Corridor light rail system. The project will include an educational program including displays at the store to increase solar awareness. Project generation will be consumed on site.

 

Goodwill Solar, LLC: Goodwill Solar Project

This 700 kW solar PV project will be roof-mounted at the Goodwill Easter Seals corporate headquarters. The project will deliver energy to Xcel Energy through a power purchase agreement, and will provide data to aid in the research and development of accurate energy and capacity pricing for solar technologies.

 

On the reserve list: Lowertown Ballpark

This 104 kW solar array will showcase renewable energy at a regional ballpark, which will be the home to the Saint Paul Saints and used for other local, regional and state public athletic events.

 

Read the news release.

Interested in EVs?

 

Check out Should Minnesota Embrace Plug-in Vehicles? commentary about EVs in Minnesota on the MN2020 site. The state ranks seventh among U.S. states for plug-in vehicle adoption. Is that surprising? Policy, economics and environment are covered. Read it here.

 

EV at Eco

Looking to fuel up with renewables? Drive with GUST-O, sign up for Windsource� for EVs. 

 

Going to the Great Minnesota Get-Together? Learn more about EVs and EV charging at the Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair.  

 

Mark your calendar for the Twin Cities National Plug In Day. Saturday, Sept. 28 from 1-4 p.m. in front of the State Capitol. Find out more.

SAVE ENERGY & MONEY 

 

Drive down transportation costs with natural gas vehicles

Businesses across Minnesota are discovering that natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are an economical and eco-friendly option for their fleet vehicles. While increasing numbers of environmentally conscious consumers are purchasing NGVs, the largest market currently for these types of vehicles is fleet transportation. Natural gas' affordability, abundance and smaller carbon footprint have commercial businesses exploring how natural gas can offer clean transportation solutions. Purchasing new isn't the only option. Existing light-or heavy-duty gasoline or diesel vehicles can also be converted to natural gas using certified installers. Get more information about CenterPoint Energy's NGV transportation solution.

 

Reduce energy bills, use more energy-efficient motor & drive equipment

Variable Frequency Drives(VFDs) can be used in many commercial applications like air handling units, cooling towers, HVAC fans and pumps, just to name a few. Rebates for VFDs from Xcel Energy range from $400 to $8,000 depending on horsepower and application. Check out how Xcel Energy's Motors and Drives program can help your business get revved up and saving

Thanks for your continued interest and support of the Energy Innovation Corridor - Minnesota's showcase area - making energy-efficiency, renewable energy, smart technologies and transportation a reality.
 
Sincerely,
 
The Energy Innovation Corridor Communications Team
Join Our Mailing List

City of Saint Paul

Sustainable

Initiatives 

 

  St. Paul

Learn about the city of Saint Paul's sustainable initiatives and projects through the monthly newsletter.

 Subscribe.  

 

HOURCAR expands at the U of M 

Hourcar 

  

The U of M and HOURCAR began schooling students, faculty and staff on the ways of car sharing.
 
Ten cars are now available. HOURCAR hubs at the University will be located in the Washington Avenue Ramp, 21st Avenue Ramp and at the Printing Services building.

 

These locations will be added to HOURCAR's rapidly expanding fleet, which will number more than 80 by early 2014.

 

Read more about the partnership.

 

  

 

U of M logo  

Quick Links  

Join Our Mailing List

About

Energy Innovation Corridor  

Located within one of the most unique urban communities in the country, the Energy Innovation Corridor was formed to create a sustainable energy and transportation showcase. The first-of-its-kind, this clean energy and transportation model extends along the 11-mile Central Corridor light rail transit project route, from downtown Saint Paul to Target Field in downtown Minneapolis, along Washington and University avenues, via the Minnesota State Capitol and entire University of Minnesota-Minneapolis campus.  

 

Visit our website.

 

Please forward this
 eNewsletter to other interested parties and encourage them to join our mailing list!

 

Interested in LRT progress?
LRT

Sign up with the Metropolitan Council for updates about the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit project construction.

EIC Mast Foot url