Our Mission
Fresh Energy’s mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy.
Fresh Energy is speeding Minnesota’s transition to a clean energy economy, which will ensure that our region enjoys good health, a vibrant economy, and thriving communities today and for generations to come. From putting Minnesota on the pathway to being a national renewable energy leader to promoting clean transportation options for our growing economy, Fresh Energy has been an essential partner in helping the region develop efficient, cost-effective, and inclusive energy programming.
Working purely in the public interest, Fresh Energy’s team of scientists, economists, policy analysts, and educators develops and advances solutions that secure a clean energy future where all can thrive.
Learn more about our Vision 2030: Fresh Energy’s Strategic Framework that guides the organization. This framework was updated in 2024.
Learn more about Fresh Energy’s Core Values and Guiding Principles and Commitment to Equity.
Our Story
Watch a whirlwind three-minute video about Fresh Energy’s history, what we’ve accomplished, and what’s next:
Our work
Our work takes place through five critical sectors using three proven strategies:
Sectors
- Electricity: Build out a resilient energy system capable of powering our economy with clean electricity, with infrastructure and customer programs aligned to create a grid that is affordable, flexible, and reliable.
- Buildings: Achieve high performing healthy housing, commercial buildings, campuses, and neighborhoods that can be affordably heated and cooled with renewable electricity instead of fossil fuel.
- Transportation: Decarbonize the movement of people and goods, prioritizing affordable, accessible zero-emissions technologies and infrastructure with precise deployment of low-carbon fuels.
- Agriculture: Evaluate and advance sustainable technologies, fuels, and cropping systems to reduce carbon emissions from agricultural processes and products through co-created local opportunities.
- Heavy Industry: Create and leverage opportunities to decarbonize the production of goods and materials in a way that grows jobs and economic benefits for Minnesotans.
Strategies
- Policy Solutions: Drive government action through policy design, research, and advocacy.
- Implementation: Advance regulatory decisions, agency actions, market transformation, and scalable proof-of-concept initiatives.
- Communications: Inspire, equip, and engage the public with solutions-based stories and opportunities.
Core Values
Incorporated in 1992, Fresh Energy is a trusted energy leader. These core values were refreshed in 2024 and the Core Values that we center in our work are:
- Courage: We are not afraid to tackle difficult challenges to achieve our mission.
- Optimism: We know equitable carbon neutral economies are achievable.
- Responsibility: We owe it to ourselves, future generations, and the natural world to act now.
- Equity: We believe that collaborative action must achieve a decarbonized economy that benefits all.
Read more about our Core Values and Guiding Principles here.
