Certain uses of B100 fuel inclusion as a carbon-free energy technology

SF 2018 amends Minnesota's clean energy standard to include electricity generated from biodiesel fuel (B100) used in peaking facilities as a carbon-free energy technology. It allows electric utilities to count up to 400 annual hours of biodiesel-powered electricity toward their state-mandated carbon-free energy requirements (80% by 2030 for public utilities, 100% by 2040). This specifically applies to peaking facilities using pure biodiesel fuel (as defined in Minn. Stat. § 239.77) during their first 400 hours of annual operation. The bill directly affects electric utilities required to meet Minnesota's carbon-free energy targets under Minn. Stat. § 216B.1691. It expands the definition of qualifying carbon-free sources without altering the overall percentage targets.