Our Mission

MRES is a catalyst, equitably advancing a sustainable low-carbon society
and a renewable energy economy through education, leadership and example.

February Speaker Series

Engineering the Transition: Microgrids as the Backbone of Minnesota’s 2040 Carbon-Free Grid

This presentation offers a practical, real-world view of how microgrids can strengthen resilience and support renewable integration as Minnesota advances toward its ambitious 2040 carbon-free electricity goal. Drawing on work at the Center for Microgrid Research at the University of St. Thomas, it highlights recent developments in microgrid technology including grid-forming controls, black start capabilities and explains why validation through real-scale testing and hardware-in-the-loop is essential. The talk also connects these technical advances to the broader policy and market landscape, including the role of emerging startups, and shows how these efforts align with Minnesota’s clean energy and sustainability priorities.

About the Speaker:

Mohamed Moustafa received B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Alexandria University in Egypt, and a Ph.D. in in electrical engineering from the University of Manitoba, Canada. He was with the two lead manufacturers of real time digital simulators OPAL-RT Technologies and RTDS Technologies Inc in Canada. Currently, he is affiliated with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of St. Thomas, USA, where he also serves as the Assistant Director of the Center for Microgrid Research. His research interests include microgrids, renewable energy systems, HVDC and power electronics applications in power systems. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Manitoba, Canada.

February LIVE ONLINE PRESENTATION

Thursday, February 19th @ 6:00pm

Trouble registering? Email eleanor@mnrenewables.org.

Green Rock Apartments Transform Multifamily Housing from Old to Sustainable: A Guide for Property Owners

Dale Howey, in six years, has transformed his Green Rock Apartments into a model of carbon-neutral housing. Howey, a Minneapolis owner/renovator, has completed eight multi-unit building retrofits. The physical improvements, coupled with enhanced livability amenities, have dramatically reduced each building’s utility usage/cost of energy, increased owner profits, and improved livability for residents. Most importantly, the retrofits have significantly reduced the use of fossil fuels, and thus contribute toward lowering the world’s extreme carbon emissions.

Howey’s intention is to open-source his unique retrofit approach so that others may gain ideas, inspiration, and guidance. To that end, the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society, in collaboration with Green Rock Apartments, has produced a detailed guide documenting Howey’s projects, noting the carbon-reducing products used, retrofit project financing, key contacts and sources for further research. The following guide highlights four Green Rock Apartment buildings in Minneapolis, MN that have been retrofitted to near zero carbon by Howey. These retrofits have greatly lowered utility usage, increased owner profits and have improved livability for Residents. Most importantly, these retrofits significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels to further lower the world’s extreme carbon emissions.

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