Minnesota's ambitious goal to have utilities get 25 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2025 will not only create electricity, but also jobs, advocates say.

The Fargo Forum says that Minnesota 2020 estimates that 3,000 to 5,000 jobs could be created "from attracting companies that make components for wind turbines or that erect them on the massive wind farms that are dotting the prairies."

And the St. Paul-based advocacy group also says wind-related industries could bring $8 billion into Minnesota’s economy over the next 20 years.

The paper says:

Minnesota has a good base to build upon when it comes to developing industries involved in wind power, said Joe Sheeran, a Minnesota 2020 spokesman.

The state ranks fourth in terms of its installed wind-energy capacity, about 1,800 megawatts, or enough to power 450,000 homes, according to Minnesota 2020’s figures.

Also, the state has a highly skilled work force, including in welding and manufacturing, that could be put to work building components for wind turbines, Sheeran said.

Minnesota already produces parts for wind towers, including turbines, housings for the gearboxes and bolts for the towers.