We're advancing plans to add 345 megawatts of solar

We'll continue to deliver reliable, low-cost power

We plan to add two solar facilities to our energy generation fleet to meet our customers’ future energy needs. On December 9 we requested Minnesota Public Utilities Commission determination that the costs associated with Solway Solar and Abercrombie Solar are eligible for cost recovery.

“These economic solar facilities fit the requirements of our recently approved Minnesota Integrated Resource Plan,” said President Tim Rogelstad. “Combined with our existing low-cost generation resources, they’ll help us continue to provide cost-effective, reliable electricity to our customers.”

Building 50 MW of solar in Minnesota

Solway Solar is a 50-megawatt (MW) solar generation facility we plan to build in Lammers Township near Solway, Minnesota. Depending on the timing of project approvals, we anticipate Solway Solar to be fully operational in 2026. “This location offers an opportunity to add solar generation where transmission interconnection facilities already exist, which helps keep costs low for our customers,” said Rogelstad. 

We estimate $4.2 million in local and state tax benefits over the 35-year life of the facility, with approximately 70 construction jobs during the peak of the 9-month construction period.

Constructing 295 MW of solar in North Dakota

Abercrombie Solar, currently known as the Flickertail Solar Project, is a 295-MW solar generation facility under development in Abercrombie Township northwest of Wahpeton, North Dakota. We have signed an agreement with Flickertail Solar Project, LLC to buy the development assets—once permits and regulatory approvals are received and other contractual requirements are met—with the intention to build the project. “We’re looking forward to adding this significant energy resource that’s cost effective for our customers,” said Rogelstad.

Expected to be complete in 2028, we estimate the project to provide $23.8 million in local and state tax benefits over the 35-year life of the facility and create approximately 300 construction jobs at peak construction.

Powering the future

Our Integrated Resource Plan outlines the combination of resources we'll use to meet our customers’ energy needs during the next 15 years. “We expect that 57% of our energy generation will come from renewable resources by 2030, while ensuring electric service continues to be safe, reliable, and economical,” said Rogelstad.

We're following necessary regulatory steps in each state we serve to determine final facility sizes, total capital investments, and how facility costs and benefits will be allocated to customers.