In a recent report published by Minnesota 2020, a non-partisan think tank focused on public policy matters including economic development, health care, education and transportation, the group notes that Minnesota needs an additional 4,000 MW of wind power to meet its Renewable Energy Standard, set at 25% by 2025. The think tank also notes that achieving the RES would “create up to 2,200 new jobs during the 17-year construction phase and more than 900 sustained jobs during the wind farms lifetime operations,” which numbers may increase as Minnesota reaches beyond its minimum 25% requirement. The report also includes several short- and long-term recommendations to encourage the presence of wind energy companies in Minnesota, and thus the market (including training) for jobs within the wind industry as well.
