Team Leader:  Jim Boerboom, Deputy Commissioner, MN Department of Agriculture

The focus of Economics and Finance Action Team breakout session was on developing and articulating team goals and initiatives, planned activities and accomplishments to date.  The groups reviewed ideas and suggestions that were submitted into Red Dragon (a brainstorming / idea generation information system) earlier this year.  The group identified three high priority initiatives for further development.  More time is needed to fully develop planned actions for each of the identified priorities. 

Highest Priority Initiatives / Activities:

Planned actions and initiatives will be further discussed and developed with the core Economics and Finance Action Team in December 2007 or January 2008.  The core group will also work on articulating team goals and initiatives.  This information will be shared at the Economics and Finance breakout session for the next Renewable Energy Roundtable meeting to be held on February 22, 2008. 

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Team Leader:   Mike Bull, Assistant Commissioner, MN Department of Commerce

The 2007 Minnesota legislative session was among the most active in history in terms of renewable energy legislation and policy development. Discussions in the Public Policy and Awareness breakout sessions have revolved around increasing awareness of the policies that are already in place, including discussion of ways to reach future renewable energy standards through energy development and conservation. Activities have begun already in an effort to address some of those issues. These activities and suggested actions from the team and breakout session participants include:

·        The development of a centralized source for renewable energy resources and information, primarily done through improvements in the Minnesota Department of Commerce website

·        Increased emphasis on conservation efforts including establishing a “Green Star City” concept

·        The development of incentives and elimination of disincentives to inspire the use of renewable energy sources in residential, commercial and community projects

·        Create innovative outreach efforts to educate the general public

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Team Co-leaders:   Dr. Bob Elde - Professor, Dept of Neuroscience - University of MN (Twin Cities);

                                 John Frey - Dean of Science/Engineering/Technology - MSU, Mankato

The Renewable Energy Roundtable Research group has discussed the basic and applied research opportunities that we believe are essential to meet MN 25/25 goals. The summary of ideas represent a full discussion by many individuals from across Minnesota which  cover conservation/effective utilization of energy, solar energy -passive and photovoltaic, geothermal energy, wind, energy storage systems, next generation biomass production which include improved genetics, transport, energy inputs, soil quality preservation, anaerobic digestion, engine efficiency and overall policy implications. 

In summary, major breakthrough areas essential for future renewable energy processes which have environmental and economic value are:

·        Generation of additional biomass

·        Methods of converting biomass to biofuels

·        Use of natural resources to stretch the biomass potential

·        Blend natural physical environment into energy saving strategies

·        Educate the public on the value of research to develop new and efficient forms of energy   

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Team Leaders:   Dennis Hampel, Dean of Career & Tech Programs, MN West Community & Tech Col;

                             Dr. Joann Fredrickson, Provost & VP Academic Affairs, Bemidji State University;

                             Dr. Claudia Neuhauser, Professor & Head, Ecology & Behavior, University of MN

The Talent Development Committee is currently comprised of 52 participants  Of the 52, nine participants make up the “working group” and 42 participants represent the “interest group.” 

Highlights of the Team Activities To Date: 

·         From a list of approximately 33 initiatives developed from input of Renewable Energy Roundtable participants in December 2006, a survey of the Talent Development Committee was conducted and the list was pared down to 5 major initiatives.

·         The 5 major initiatives are being refined in an effort to develop a Talent Development agenda for the future.  The five major initiatives include: 

            1) K-12 Curriculum Development;

            2) Post-Secondary Curriculum Development;

            3) Workforce Gap Analysis;

            4) Communication Processes, Structures and Incentive Creation; and,

            5) Customized Training, Lifelong Learning and Faculty Development. 

·        During the Talent Development breakout session held at the quarterly Renewable Energy Roundtable Meeting on November 16, 2007, the 5 major initiatives were further reviewed/discussed by the Talent Development Committee.  The committee participants were divided into two groups and each group was assigned two initiatives to work on.  Objectives were then developed for 4 of the 5 major initiatives identified.  The Workforce Gap Analysis Initiative was not specifically addressed as this initiative is currently being worked on by the institutions.

·        The Team Leaders have started to prepare a work plan, identify funding needs to accomplish the major initiatives identified, and develop a White Paper for presenting to the NextGen Board.  

·        The Talent Development Team Leaders will be presenting to the NextGen Board on December 19, 2007, at which time funding needs to accomplish the major initiatives identified will be presented. 

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Team Leader: Thomas Baldwin, Assistant Chancellor, University of Minnesota Crookston

The Infrastructure Group has developed three goals necessary to identify current available information, geographical location, opportunities and deficiencies and resolution of deficiencies:

Efforts and accomplishments to date include:

1. A demonstration of a web-based portal system designed to connect information seekers to pertinent resources and case studies related to energy projects was provided. While in preliminary stages, this project promises to develop a web-based social network of experts and novices who together will ensure leadership in renewable energy and its infrastructure for the State.

2. A demonstration of a web-based GIS system was provided that detailed locations and the span of infrastructure in the state that includes roads, rail lines, the electric grid, and pipeline information among others. Ethanol production and distribution information will be required to be added.

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