PUC lets trash and wood burning count as 'carbon-free' power
Minnesota state regulators have ruled that electricity from burning municipal solid waste and some types of wood/biomass can be treated as 'carbon-free' under the state’s 2040 carbon-free standard, a decision with major implications for utilities that serve the Twin Cities. The Public Utilities Commission’s interpretation effectively keeps metro-area garbage burners and biomass contracts in the portfolio of resources utilities can rely on to meet the mandate, even though the plants still emit greenhouse gases and local pollutants. Supporters argue these facilities help manage waste streams and provide reliable baseload or dispatchable power that wind and solar can’t always match, while environmental and climate advocates call the move a shell game that could lock in higher pollution in already overburdened neighborhoods. The ruling is expected to guide Xcel Energy’s and other utilities’ next integrated resource plans and could tilt future rate cases and infrastructure investments that directly affect Minneapolis–Saint Paul bills, air quality, and siting battles.
📌 Key Facts
- Minnesota’s Public Utilities Commission has ruled that burning municipal solid waste and some wood/biomass can qualify as 'carbon-free' power for purposes of the state’s 2040 carbon-free electricity mandate.
- The decision affects how utilities that serve the Twin Cities — notably Xcel Energy — design future resource portfolios, keep or retire existing plants, and justify spending and rates.
- Environmental groups warn the classification conflicts with climate science and could entrench polluting garbage incinerators in metro communities, while supporters say it preserves reliable generation and waste-disposal capacity.
📊 Relevant Data
Incineration of municipal solid waste emits approximately 0.38 tons of CO2 per ton of input waste stream, which is lower than emissions from landfilling but still contributes to greenhouse gases.
A comparative study of CO2 emissions with a focus on recycling and incineration of waste — ScienceDirect
Burning biomass for energy is not carbon neutral, as emissions in the supply chain and impacts on forest carbon stock must be included, contrary to some policy assumptions.
The use of forest biomass for climate change mitigation — IEA Bioenergy
The Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) trash incinerator is located in an area where, within a 3-mile radius, there is a higher concentration of low-income households than 89% of the state and a higher percentage of people of color than 84% of the state.
Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) closure - REIA — City of Minneapolis
Waste incinerators emit pollutants such as lead and mercury, linked to health problems including lung disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and increased vulnerability to respiratory illnesses.
New study highlights Minnesota’s use of trash incinerators, effects on communities of color — Minnesota Reformer
In 2023, biomass and waste-to-energy sources provided about 2% of Minnesota's electricity generation.
2023 MN Energy Factsheet — Clean Energy Economy MN
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