St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the Benton Solar Project, a 100-megawatt (MW) solar facility and battery energy storage system. Situated approximately four miles east of St. Cloud in Minden Township, the project is designed to help meet the growing demand for renewable energy while advancing Minnesota’s mandate to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.
The project includes a 100 MW solar array and a 400-megawatt-hour battery storage system. This combination helps modernize the electrical grid by storing solar energy during peak production and releasing it during times of high demand. The facility also stabilizes the energy supply and ensures reliability even when the sun isn't shining. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with the site becoming fully operational by late 2027.
The Commission’s decision followed a comprehensive environmental review and robust public engagement process – incorporating feedback from residents, labor groups, and local officials. In response to community concerns regarding the project's footprint, the PUC established specific conditions to protect the local environment and neighborhood character. These include a detailed visual screening plan using landscaping, trees and shrubs to buffer nearby homes, a tree replacement program coordinated with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and a requirement that the developer secure a power purchase agreement before construction begins to ensure financial viability.
“This approval reflects our commitment to listening to the community while moving Minnesota toward a clean energy future,” said Commissioner John Tuma. “By pairing solar generation with large-scale battery storage, we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also strengthening the reliability of our electric grid. We’ve also put firm conditions in place to ensure this project uses local labor and respects the visual and environmental concerns of its neighbors.”
To support the local economy, the developer committed to a Project Labor Agreement to maximize the use of local union workers. The Commission also adopted strict notification requirements to ensure the developer stays accountable to this workforce commitment. Additionally, the project is expected to provide significant long-term tax revenue for Benton County while preserving the underlying land for future agricultural use.
Full project details are available on the Benton Solar Project webpage.
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.
