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For Immediate Release:
September 22, 2023
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Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Contact: Charley Bruce, 651-201-2251
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Public Utilities Commission Approves two Xcel Energy Solar Projects
St. Paul, Minn. – On Thursday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) approved two solar generation projects: the 100-megawatt (MW) Apple River Solar power purchase agreement (PPA), developed by National Grid Renewables, and the 250 MW Sherco Solar 3 project, developed by Xcel. The two projects are part of Xcel’s plan to replace retiring coal-fired generation with renewables.
These proposals had widespread support from the Department of Commerce, and organized labor, including LIUNA and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49. The Commission determined the 250 MW Sherco Solar 3 project, and the 100 MW Apple River Solar project are in the public interest.
“As the state transitions to resources that emit less carbon, Sherco Solar will be a critical project to ensuring Xcel continues to provide reliable power to Minnesotans,” said Commission Chair Katie Sieben.
Key factors in the Commission’s decision:
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Sherco Solar 3 will create 95 union construction jobs and provide $20 million in local tax payments. Apple River Solar would create 150 union construction jobs and provide $4 million in local tax payments.
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The two projects will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 140,000 tons per year and 2.8 million tons cumulatively over the project lifetime.
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The projects were among the most cost-effective resources that bid into a competitive resource acquisition process.
The next step for the Sherco Solar 3 project is obtaining a site permit from the Commission (estimated Fall 2024).
About
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
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