Xcel Energy's Sherco Solar 3 Project Approved in Minnesota

• Xcel Energy's Sherco Solar 3 project marks a major step towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future in Minnesota.

Xcel Energy has been granted a site permit by Minnesota regulators for a 250-MW solar project as part of a larger plan for a 710-MW complex that will replace a coal-fired unit in the state. The project, known as Sherco Solar 3, is set to begin construction in the autumn and is expected to go online in 2026. Xcel Energy had previously closed one unit of its Sherco coal-fired station in 2023, with the remaining two units scheduled to cease operations in 2026 and 2030.

The approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission allows Xcel Energy to expand the Sherco solar farm, making a significant investment of USD 406 million. The expanded PV site will triple the amount of solar energy on Xcel's Upper Midwest system by 2028, generating enough electricity to power over 150,000 homes annually when the third phase becomes operational.

What is the timeline for Xcel Energy's Sherco Solar 3 project in Minnesota?

• Xcel Energy's Sherco Solar 3 project in Minnesota has been granted a site permit by Minnesota regulators for a 250-MW solar project.
  
• The project is part of a larger plan for a 710-MW complex that will replace a coal-fired unit in the state.
• Construction for Sherco Solar 3 is set to begin in the autumn.
  
• The project is expected to go online in 2026.
  
• Xcel Energy had previously closed one unit of its Sherco coal-fired station in 2023.
  
• The remaining two units are scheduled to cease operations in 2026 and 2030.
  
• The approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission allows Xcel Energy to expand the Sherco solar farm with a significant investment of USD 406 million.
  
• The expanded PV site will triple the amount of solar energy on Xcel's Upper Midwest system by 2028.
• The project will generate enough electricity to power over 150,000 homes annually when the third phase becomes operational.