Xcel Energy has announced over $3 billion of projects that will create jobs, advance the transition to cleaner energy, and keep customer bills stable in Minnesota, US. This is being considered one of the largest packages of energy investments in Minnesota’s history. The package was announced after the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Department of Commerce had requested energy companies to help with job growth and the recovery of the economy. The projects are expected to create over 5,000 jobs in the state.
Key highlights of the package are:
- Xcel Energy will speed up the greenfield 460 MW solar power plant which is being constructed next to the Sherco coal plant in Becker, Minnesota. The solar installation will generate enough carbon-free energy to power more than 240,000 homes each year while leveraging existing transmission infrastructure.
- Rebuild aging wind farms with the latest technology and add wind power capacity in the state.
- Expand energy conservation programs.
- Investment in transmission, distribution, natural gas and electric vehicle infrastructure projects, including building electric vehicle charging stations for fleets and the public.
“Covid-19 put the brakes on our economy, leading to widespread unemployment and we are eager to help Minnesota with our proposal that can help provide the economic jump start our state needs,” said Ben Fowke, chairman and CEO, Xcel Energy.
The proposed projects will need approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
