The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has approved two solar projects with a combined capacity of over 475 MW. The projects are the Iron Pine solar project and the Northern Crescent solar project. The Northern Crescent solar project will consist of a BESS system, which will be housed in a 3.2 acre facility using lithium iron phosphate battery technology.
The Iron Pine solar project, owned by Swift Energy, received a site permit for a 325 MW solar energy facility in Pine County. It also received a route permit for a 1-mile, 230 kV generation tie-line that will connect the project to the grid. This will connect the project to the Minnesota Power Arrowhead–Bear Creek transmission line. The project is expected to reaching commercial operation by the end of 2027.
Furthermore, the Northern Crescent solar project in Faribault County includes up to 150 MW of solar power and a 50 MWac BESS system. The project will be interconnected to the grid through a 300-foot, 161 kV transmission line to an existing Xcel Energy substation. The project will reach full commercial operation by late 2026, however, it is awaiting final interconnection approval from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO).
REGlobal’s Views: Both the projects have already completed environmental assessments and public consultation processes. The renewable energy share in the state’s current electricity mix is reportedly just 5 per cent, and these projects will help the state in coming closer to its renewable energy procurement target.
