St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission), in ongoing efforts to ensure energy reliability for Minnesotans, approved the Lake Wilson Solar Energy Project. This is the first project of its kind permitted by the Commission.
The 150-megawatt (MW) solar energy generating system, located in Murray County, includes a four-hour battery energy storage system that is permitted to store up to 95MW of power. The solar farm will charge the battery when the sun is shining and supply energy back to the electric grid when it’s needed. The system will connect to the grid via Xcel Energy’s existing Fenton to Chanarambie 115-kilovolt transmission line.
“My colleagues and I are excited to approve Minnesota's first permit for a solar and battery storage facility”, said Commission Chair Katie Sieben. “This project will bring skilled jobs, economic development and increased reliability to our grid.”
During the public meeting to approve the project, the Commission discussed the increased tax revenue Murray County will receive because of the project. Additionally, the project will create approximately 250 local construction jobs, and five full time positions, once operational.
Detailed information about the project is available online.
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.
