St. Paul, Minn. – On Tuesday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved two major renewable energy projects – the Iron Pine Solar Project and the Northern Crescent Solar Project – that together add more than 475 megawatts (MW) of solar energy capacity to the state’s grid. One of the projects will also include a 50 MW battery energy storage system, further strengthening grid reliability as Minnesota transitions to a cleaner energy future.
“These approvals represent a significant step forward in Minnesota’s clean energy transition,” said Commission Chair Katie Sieben. “By expanding our renewable energy portfolio and integrating vital battery storage, we are enhancing the stability and resilience of our electric grid while helping to meet the state’s ambitious energy and climate goals. These projects also bring important economic opportunities to the rural communities that host them.”
The Iron Pine Solar Project received a site permit for a 325 MW solar energy facility in Pine County, along with a route permit for a 1-mile, 230 kilovolt (kV) generation tie-line that will connect the project to the grid. The project represents one of the largest single-site solar installations approved in the state and will play a key role in delivering low-cost, clean power to Minnesota’s electric system.
The Northern Crescent Solar Project includes up to 150 MW of alternating current (MWac) solar generation and a 50 MWac battery energy storage system (BESS). The battery system will be housed in a 3.2-acre facility using lithium iron phosphate battery technology. The project will interconnect to the grid via a short 300-foot, 161 kV transmission line to an existing Xcel Energy substation. A final interconnection agreement is expected from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator in the second half of 2025.
Both projects underwent comprehensive environmental reviews and robust public engagement processes, ensuring that community input and environmental considerations informed each step of development. These approvals reflect the Commission’s continued focus on ensuring Minnesota’s electric system is clean, reliable, and built to meet the needs of future generations.
For more details on these projects, visit the PUC’s permitting website.
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.
