How Saint Paul is Leading Minnesota’s Clean Energy Innovation
By Gregg Mast, Executive Director of Clean Energy Economy Minnesota
Minnesota is emerging as a leader in clean energy innovation, and Saint Paul is a centerpiece of that momentum. The state pairs forward-looking policy with a vibrant energy ecosystem that unites people working across the private, public, academic, and NGO sectors to advance solutions from concept through commercialization. Public-private partnerships such as Minnesota Energy Alley, where CEEM works with Grid Catalyst, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and many others, are connecting energy entrepreneurs and startups with customers, capital, and decision‑makers to build the next generation of energy businesses and solutions that will power our economy.
The City of Saint Paul has been a longtime leader embracing innovative solutions to challenges in our energy system. The recent upgrade of Saint Paul Fire Station 3 exemplifies the city’s commitment to progress through collaborative public‑private partnerships. Leaders and businesses across Saint Paul play a vital role in building and expanding this ecosystem, helping to strengthen and scale a connected, resilient clean energy economy.
The opportunity now is to build a clean energy economy in Saint Paul and across Minnesota with lasting innovations and industries. As the world looks to decarbonize, the energy transformation is driving job creation, investment, and new market development. Continued leadership will require focused action, particularly around workforce readiness, modernizing infrastructure, and aligning policy with the rapid pace of innovation.
To learn the latest on the energy innovations and market trends shaping our energy future, I invite you to join CEEM for the launch of this year’s 2026 Minnesota Energy Factsheet on April 30 at the Wilder Foundation. Thank you to Full Stack Saint Paul for sponsoring this year’s launch event, where participants will learn from and connect with local industry experts. I hope to see you there! RSVP today.
Join CEEM for the 10th annual Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol on April 21. Connect with business leaders and industry experts building and expanding Minnesota’s clean energy ecosystem, share your business story with policymakers, and hear directly from lawmakers about how to shape policy that supports innovation and growth. Learn more and register today.
Gregg Mast
Executive Director, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota
Gregg Mast is Executive Director of Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, with over 20 years of experience in clean energy development, finance, and policy. He previously held leadership roles at the BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota, Allianz Life, and Target Corporation.