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 Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Commitment to Anti-Racism.
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.