We're advancing plans to add 345 megawatts of solar
We'll continue to deliver reliable, low-cost power
We plan to add two solar facilities to our energy generation fleet to meet our customers鈥� future energy needs. On December 9 we requested Minnesota Public Utilities Commission determination that the costs associated with Solway Solar and Abercrombie Solar are eligible for cost recovery.
鈥淭hese economic solar facilities fit the requirements of our recently approved Minnesota Integrated Resource Plan,鈥� said President Tim Rogelstad. 鈥淐ombined with our existing low-cost generation resources, they鈥檒l help us continue to provide cost-effective, reliable electricity to our customers.鈥�
Building 50 MW of solar in Minnesota
Solway Solar is a 50-megawatt (MW) solar generation facility we plan to build in Lammers Township near Solway, Minnesota. Depending on the timing of project approvals, we anticipate Solway Solar to be fully operational in 2026. 鈥淭his location offers an opportunity to add solar generation where transmission interconnection facilities already exist, which helps keep costs low for our customers,鈥� said Rogelstad.聽
We estimate $4.2 million in local and state tax benefits over the 35-year life of the facility, with approximately 70 construction jobs during the peak of the 9-month construction period.
Constructing 295 MW of solar in North Dakota
Abercrombie Solar, currently known as the Flickertail Solar Project, is a 295-MW solar generation facility under development in Abercrombie Township northwest of Wahpeton, North Dakota. We have signed an agreement with Flickertail Solar Project, LLC to buy the development assets鈥攐nce permits and regulatory approvals are received and other contractual requirements are met鈥攚ith the intention to build the project. 鈥淲e鈥檙e looking forward to adding this significant energy resource that鈥檚 cost effective for our customers,鈥� said Rogelstad.
Expected to be complete in 2028, we estimate the project to provide $23.8 million in local and state tax benefits over the 35-year life of the facility and create approximately 300 construction jobs at peak construction.
AOA体育平台ing the future
Our Integrated Resource Plan outlines the combination of resources we'll use to meet our customers鈥� energy needs during the next 15 years. 鈥淲e expect that 57% of our energy generation will come from renewable resources by 2030, while ensuring electric service continues to be safe, reliable, and economical,鈥� said Rogelstad.
We're following necessary regulatory steps in each state we serve to determine final facility sizes, total capital investments, and how facility costs and benefits will be allocated to customers.