More than 80 people gathered at the St. Cloud Civic Center on October 22 to continue the work of Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Roundtable.
Since its inception, the Roundtable has brought together more than 500 individuals from nearly 200 different organizations with an interest in keeping Minnesota’s renewable energy industry strong by identifying new opportunities and addressing hurdles. Minnesota has a long history of energy innovation including a well developed ethanol industry, significant wind power capacity, biodiesel production and more. The MNRER brings together industry, research, public and nonprofit professionals to collectively identify and address new opportunities for advancement of renewable energy in Minnesota.
“A key to the Roundtable is that many participants recognize that by collaborating to grow the industry, they are also identifying opportunities that benefit the organization they represent,” says Kate Paris, AURI planning and project director and Roundtable coordinator. “It’s important for participants to see how the MNRER directly benefits their organizations and interests.”
The large group session focused on connecting current efforts to available resources. Breakout sessions addressed issues in economics and finance, public policy and awareness, talent development, infrastructure and research.
