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SF2758 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

microgrid research and application appropriation and extension of previous appropriations

Related bill: HF2573

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support the advancement and application of microgrid technology by providing funding for research and educational activities related to microgrids.

Main Provisions

  • Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates $1,200,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the renewable development account to the University of St. Thomas Center for Microgrid Research. This funding is designated as a one-time grant and will be available until June 30, 2028.

  • Usage of Funds: The University of St. Thomas Center for Microgrid Research is required to use the funds to:

    1. Enhance collaborations with industry partners to test near-commercial microgrid products on a real-world scale and conduct innovative research.
    2. Acquire advanced equipment and control systems to expand the university’s microgrid to additional buildings.
    3. Increase hands-on educational opportunities for both traditional and nontraditional students, alongside outreach efforts to improve understanding of microgrid operations.

Significant Changes

  • Extension of Previous Appropriations: The availability of appropriations designated in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 for similar microgrid initiatives at the University of St. Thomas is extended to be available until June 30, 2028. This extension overrides provisions in existing Minnesota Statutes and earlier legislative acts, ensuring prolonged funding support for ongoing projects.

Relevant Terms

  • Microgrid research
  • Renewable development account
  • University of St. Thomas Center for Microgrid Research
  • Industry partners
  • Innovative research
  • Advanced equipment and controls
  • Educational opportunities

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnergy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Not applicable; no new provisions added under this section."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Not applicable; no provisions removed under this section."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references appropriations from the renewable development account under section 116C.779, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Not applicable; no modifications to existing provisions under this section."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116C.779",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Extends availability of fiscal year appropriations for specified grants."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Not applicable; no provisions removed under this section."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill extends appropriations availability beyond the typical limits as per section 16A.28.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes typical deadlines for using previous appropriations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16A.28",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors