St. Paul, Minnesota — On Thursday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) approved the Byron Solar Project, a 200-megawatt solar energy generating facility developed by EDF Renewables. The project will span more than 1,500 acres in Canisteo and Mantorville townships in Dodge County and includes a new three-mile transmission line in Dodge and Olmsted Counties to interconnect to the grid.
“Approving the second largest solar project in the state is critical for meeting our renewable energy goals,” said Commissioner John Tuma. “We know it is hard right now to get solar projects off the ground and the Commission appreciates all the work by the local community, landowners, partner agencies and the company to get the project permitted.”
As part of their site permit, Byron Solar agreed to consult with landowners, local governments, and the Department of Natural Resources to mitigate visual impacts to adjacent residents and a vegetation management plan.
Construction will begin in 2024 and is anticipated to be operational in 2025.
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The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas, and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional, and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc.
