Renewable energy and its effect on southern Minnesota agriculture

Waseca 2023 graduate Kloe Wadd was the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from the Area VI MASWCD (Soil and Water Conservation District). The following is a copy of her winning essay:

Renewable energy is positive, and has numerous benefits to agriculture. However, there are both positives and negatives to be considered.

Primary energy sources include nuclear, fossil-fuels, and renewables such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, and biomass. Renewable sources currently provide 28% of the state’s electricity.  Renewable energy  has many advantages; i.e. employment opportunities, less reliance on the power grid, and ultimately a way to achieve national energy independence.  Environmentally, lower greenhouse-gas emissions, and a smaller carbon footprint.

Possible negative consequences of renewable energy plant constructions include high financial investments, adverse effects in animal habitat, and the release of poisonous gases into the atmosphere. As to hydropower, the dams that harness the hydropower can cause floods when the water is released.

Wind power is popular, especially in Europe currently. A negative aspect of this power source is the negative effects on birds and bats, causing sometimes high-mortality.

As to solar power, some negative effects are the large areas of land required for them to occupy. Also, the long-term impact of manufacturing , material extraction, and ultimate disposal.

Regarding geothermal, research should be done to determine optimal areas to construct power plants; due to the need for construction in areas that contain hot rocks under the surface.  Poisonous-gas emissions from boring into the ground may release toxic gases.

In regard to most renewable-energy sources, we need to consider their reliance on the weather conditions to be reasonably effective.

Finally, what conclusions can Minnesota residents  make concerning these advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy sources?  Solar presents  a major economic opportunity. Utilities and large corporations are seeking to contract with developers to harvest and purchase the solar resource via solar-produced electricity. Solar development is local development, and many farmers are diversifying their income stream with a new “crop.” However, neighbors of these developments may be concerned with the land use of solar. Ultimately, communities and rural areas have the choices of embracing solar development, strive to protect their community’s traditional land uses and character, or try to find a balance of the two.