Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM)

?? Today, CEEM submitted testimony on SF 2855, which would sunset Minnesota’s Community Solar Garden program. With $116M in benefits to nonsubscribers, ending it now sends the wrong market signal as we work to keep Minnesota competitive on the path to economy-wide decarbonization. CEEM supports a thoughtful, measured path forward.

Today, Chandra Her testified in the Senate Energy Committee supporting SF 2106, a pilot to recover waste heat from wastewater treatment plants and integrate it into district energy systems. This a win-win-win for Minnesota: Lower costs, fewer emissions, smarter infrastructure.

?? 2025 Demonstration Cohort Spotlight: LiquidCool Solutions, Inc. (Rochester, MN) is revolutionizing data center cooling with a patented liquid immersion technology. As AI technologies advance at breathtaking speed, our digital infrastructure faces unprecedented energy challenges. Data centers already consume an estimated 2% of global electricity, a figure that is projected to double by 2030 with the exponential growth of AI computing. Traditional air cooling systems – which account for up to 40% of a data center's energy use – are increasingly inadequate as computing demands intensify. Without revolutionary cooling solutions, we risk spiraling energy consumption, strained power grids, and significant water usage that could limit AI's potential and exacerbate climate impacts. ?? The Technology: LiquidCool has developed a groundbreaking total liquid immersion cooling system that submerges 100% of a device's electronics in electrically non-conductive fluid. Unlike traditional air cooling, their patented technology: → Eliminates internal fans and several complex HVAC system components → Handles much higher heat (up to 140°F) generated by AI processors and high-density computing → Captures that higher heat to be efficiently reused for hot water or building heating The result? LiquidCool’s technology can reduce data center energy consumption by 30% or more. ??? The Project: LiquidCool is partnering with Vaultas, a Minnesota-based data center operator, to pilot the technology at their St. Cloud colocation data center facility. This demonstration project will showcase how immersion cooling can enable the next generation of AI computing while dramatically reducing energy use. Vaultas President John Unger estimates the technology could save the family-owned data center up to 40% on their bottom line. Congratulations to Ken Krei, Rick Tufty, Chad Cape and the whole LiquidCool team on this milestone! ?? Learn more about this groundbreaking project: https://lnkd.in/g_MZ5cRX Next up: While AI presents large energy challenges, it can also provide solutions. Next week, we’ll introduce you to a Minneapolis-based startup that is using AI-enabled software to help utilities optimize their energy operations and protect critical energy infrastructure. ?? ______________ Demonstration Cohort projects are made possible by funding through the Minnesota Energy Alley initiative, led by Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Grid Catalyst. This initiative leverages our region's deep technological expertise, industry leadership, and collaborative spirit to drive innovation and secure our state's energy and economic future. #AccelerateNorth #Energy #Innovation #EnergyTech #Startups

Yesterday, CEEM’s Cathy Liebowitz helped kick off the 2025 State of Energy Summit at Minnesota State University, Mankato, by speaking on the Energy Career Outlook Panel. Cathy shared key findings from this year’s Clean Jobs Midwest report, highlighting the continued growth and potential of Minnesota’s clean energy workforce. With more than 60 educators, industry leaders, and community partners in attendance, the conversation focused on how cross-sector collaboration can create innovative talent pipelines and prepare the next generation for family-sustaining, economically impactful careers in our state’s energy sector. We’re proud to be part of shaping Minnesota’s clean energy future — together. Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence | Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD)

According to new report by Energy Innovation Policy and Technology LLC, dismantling federal energy tax credits will cause job cuts, throw away hundreds of billions of dollars of investment, and significantly increase energy costs for U.S. businesses and households. America needs more energy now, and maintaining these tax credits is key to supporting the wide-scale deployment of energy solutions. Since 2022, BCSE has worked with Congress and key industries to ensure the efficient implementation of energy tax credits - and utilize tax policy as a market-based tool to drive investment in efficient and modern energy products and services. Reporting by Jeff St. John?at Canary Media Inc.: https://lnkd.in/eMcPjjpb

We are looking for a CFO to join our team! We are a mission-driven "Green Bank" focused on impact investing with the paramount goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are new State Agency with the vibe of an entrepreneurial start-up. We need your leadership, vision and dedication.

Great day in Mankato at the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence’s 2025 State of Energy Summit. I enjoyed discussions with partners like Cathy Liebowitz and Becky Brink on trends and initiatives shaping workforce development in clean energy. Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM), Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota

This afternoon at the Minnesota Senate Energy Committee, CEEM’s Senior Policy Associate Chandra Her testified in support of Senate File 2758, a bill that would expand the St. Thomas Center for Microgrid Research. This one-of-a-kind program is a unique asset for Minnesota, helping to accelerate innovation in energy technologies, strengthen workforce development through hands-on training, and position our state as a global leader in building a secure, cost-effective, and carbon-free electric grid. By investing in the Center, Minnesota is doubling down on its clean energy leadership and support the entrepreneurs, researchers, and engineers defining the future of our energy system. University of St. Thomas | University of St. Thomas School of Engineering

Appreciate St. Cloud LIVE's Trent Abrego for spotlighting the innovative partnership between LiquidCool Solutions, Inc. and homegrown data center company Vaultas in St. Cloud, part of the Grid Catalyst Demonstration Cohort made possible by the Minnesota Energy Alley initiative. This project is an excellent example of how startups and established infrastructure providers can collaborate to bring the next generation of energy technologies to life — precisely the goal of Minnesota Energy Alley. As demand for data centers grows across the U.S., exploring innovative solutions to make them more efficient is essential. It's exciting to see this kind of cleantech innovation and its potential for local economic and community impact happening right here in Minnesota. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/g_MZ5cRX

Repealing federal clean energy incentives won’t save Americans money — it’ll raise power bills. New analysis shows ditching the IRA would cost households up to $68 more per year by 2035. Clean energy = cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable power. Read more from Canary Media Inc.'s Kathryn Krawczyk: https://lnkd.in/geQU8Kww