GOP candidate for governor Scott Jensen laid out a broad energy plan Wednesday that includes lifting the state's moratorium on building nuclear plants and repealing Gov. Tim Walz's "clean car" rules that will require automakers to deliver more electric and hybrid vehicles to Minnesota.
Jensen and his running mate, Matt Birk, said during a news conference at the State Capitol that they believe Minnesota needs to tap all energy sources — from carbon-free nuclear, solar and wind to fossil fuels — to lower utility costs and increase reliability of the power grid.
The Midwest is facing elevated risk of rolling blackouts this summer amid high electricity demand and less supply. The grid is transitioning from fossil-fuel power to renewable energy, and the power lost from retiring coal plants is greater than the supply gained by new wind and solar farms.
"It's kind of unbelievable that that would happen here in Minnesota," Birk said of possible rolling blackouts. "What happens if this is in the winter? Literally a matter of life and death."
While Minnesota's electricity producers have power to spare, others in the 15-state grid that serves this state do not — putting the entire Midwest power network at risk.
Nuclear energy could help increase electricity supply, Jensen said, noting that modern plants are cleaner and emit less waste than previous ones. And the emergence of a new technology, small nuclear reactors, could offer a more cost-effective nuclear energy option than traditional large reactors, he said.
"We're stuck thinking about nuclear power in the Chernobyl days," Jensen said. "Things have changed so dramatically."
The Chaska family physician and former state senator also called for continued wind and solar energy development, completion of a hydroelectric turbine in Granite Falls and for the state to reconsider closing coal power plants, which could provide more electricity.
