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Xcel Energy asks to expand Sherco Solar by 250 MW

The three projects are expected to be complete by the end of 2025 and would replace the capacity of the Sherco plant’s first coal unit to retire later in 2023.
Xcel Energy asks to expand Sherco Solar by 250 MW
A view of Minneapolis, Minnesota (Courtesy: Nicole Geri/Unsplash)

Xcel Energy asked Minnesota state utility regulators for permission to add an additional 250 MW solar project near its existing Sherco plant site in Becker, Minnesota, northwest of Minneapolis.

The utility asked on May 8 to add a third solar array adjacent to the 460 MW Sherco Solar project already under construction. 

The three projects are expected to be complete by the end of 2025 and are intended to replace the capacity of the Sherco plant’s first coal unit that is scheduled to retire later in 2023. Xcel Energy also asked to buy power under a 20-year agreement from the 100 MW Apple River solar project being developed by National Grid Renewables in northwest Wisconsin.

The utility said it expects to qualify for federal tax credits for the Sherco solar projects.

“These projects will be the lowest-cost solar on our Upper Midwest system,” said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy – Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. 

Xcel Energy would develop, own, and operate the third Sherco Solar array. Last fall, Minnesota regulators approved the first two solar projects at the Sherco plant site. Construction began on the first project in late April.

The utility said it is on track to cut carbon emissions 85% from customers’ electricity in the Upper Midwest by 2030. The company plans to retire all of its coal units by the end of 2030.

Its proposed Minnesota Energy Connection transmission line would link at least 2,000 MW of new renewable energy to the grid at Sherco. The company is also seeking approval for a long-duration battery storage pilot project at the facility.

Originally published by Renewable Energy World.

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