GRAND FORKS — Minnkota Power Cooperative will receive federal funding to further its plan to store carbon underground and to help procure wind energy as part of a grant award from the United States Department of Agriculture.
The USDA announced $7.3 billion in clean energy investments Thursday, Sept. 5, for rural communities across the country. The grants, through the Empowering Rural America program, allow rural communities and electric providers to reduce costs, build the strength of the nation’s electric grid and reduce pollution.
Minnkota plans to use the funds it receives for Project Tundra, a plan to
capture 4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere and store it underground in geologic formations, and help expand its presence in wind energy sources, according to the press release announcing the awards.
“As we enter one of the most transformational periods in our industry’s history, the New ERA program represents a positive opportunity for our membership and many others across rural America,” Minnkota President and CEO Mac McLennan said in the statement. “(The) New ERA helps not-for-profit cooperatives like Minnkota more cost-effectively decarbonize power supply portfolios, while retaining a reliable and resilient electric grid for the members we serve.”
Minnkota, based in Grand Forks, is one of 16 companies across the country that will be receiving funds. In North Dakota, Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Great River Energy also will receive funding.
In a statement, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said the funds will help keep millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions out of the atmosphere while helping grow the economy.
“Under the Biden-Harris administration, we are supporting a more prosperous future for rural communities by speeding up the transition to clean energy while at the same time keeping monthly bills low and investing in the American workforce with new jobs and apprenticeships,” Vilsack said in a statement. “One in five rural Americans will benefit from these clean energy investments. … Put simply, this is rural power, for rural America.”
North Dakota USDA State Director Erin Oban added that the investments in the cooperatives serving North Dakota communities ensure reliable electricity infrastructure for years to come.
“Our country’s investments in rural electric system infrastructure, renewable energy and modern technologies are critical investments in future generations of rural North Dakotans,” Oban said. “These co-ops continue to show their commitment to ensuring that our most rural hometowns and neighbors have access to reliable, affordable electricity.”
