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Minnesota Power, a subsidiary of ALLETE Inc., announced plans to expand its solar energy fleet by over 200 megawatts (MW) with the construction of two new solar parks in northern Minnesota. These projects won in the utility's 2023 solar request for proposals and are expected to be operational by mid-2027, pending approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.The Regal park will feature 119.5 MW capacity with 255,000 bifacial solar panels over 800 acres, while the Boswell solar farm will add 85 MW through 180,000 bifacial modules. CEO Josh Skelton emphasized that these developments will help achieve Minnesota Power's goal of over 80% renewable energy by 2030 and comply with the state's carbon-free energy mandate by 2040. What are the key details of Minnesota Power's new solar park expansions? - Project Overview: Minnesota Power plans to add over 200 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity through the construction of two solar parks: Regal Solar Park and Boswell Solar Farm. - Location: Both solar parks will be situated in northern Minnesota, contributing to the region's clean energy landscape. - Capacity Details: - Regal Solar Park: - Capacity: 119.5 MW - Solar Panels: Approximately 255,000 bifacial solar panels - Area: Covers over 800 acres of land - Boswell Solar Farm: - Capacity: 85 MW - Solar Panels: Utilizes around 180,000 bifacial modules - Timeline: The projects are intended to be operational by mid-2027, contingent upon receiving the necessary approvals from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. - Energy Goals: These expansions align with Minnesota Power’s commitment to achieving over 80% renewable energy by the year 2030 and supporting the state’s goal of a carbon-free energy supply by 2040. - Environmental Impact: The proposed solar parks are part of a broader initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance sustainability, and promote cleaner energy sources in response to climate change. - Technology Utilization: The use of bifacial solar panels, which can capture sunlight on both sides, is expected to increase energy efficiency and output compared to traditional panels. - Community Engagement: Minnesota Power is likely to engage with local communities to provide information and potentially foster local job creation related to the construction and maintenance of these solar facilities. - Economic Benefits: The expansion is anticipated to bring economic development opportunities, including investment in infrastructure and potential job creation in the renewable energy sector, particularly during the construction phase. - Future Aspirations: These solar projects reflect Minnesota Power’s ongoing commitment to integrate innovative renewable energy solutions, positioning the company as a leader in the transition to a more sustainable energy future. - Public Support: Stakeholder engagement and public support efforts may be employed to ensure community awareness and to address any concerns regarding project implementation and land use. - Regulatory Process: The plans must undergo a thorough regulatory approval process, which involves scrutiny from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to ensure compliance with state energy policies and environmental regulations.

announced that the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) is now a formal SEIA state affiliate. This past year, SEIA has also added state affiliate

plans to build a 1-GW solar panel and 1.5-GW solar cell manufacturing plant in Minnesota. The company already has a 700-MW solar panel campus in Mountain Iron,

its proposal for the one of the largest packages of energy investments in Minnesota's background, as part of its response to the Minnesota Public Utilities

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

Minnesota regulators have approved the construction of a 160-MW solar park by National Grid Renewables Development LLC in Rock County. The Elk Creek Solar project will cover 1,500 acres of land in Vienna and Magnolia townships and is expected to begin construction next spring, with commercial operations targeted for autumn 2026. Originally proposed as an 80-MW solar park, the developer decided to double the capacity and requested a permit amendment in June 2023.The project is estimated to bring in $7.6 million in tax revenues over 20 years and create up to 225 jobs during the construction phase. The positive decision from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission paves the way for National Grid to move forward with the development of the solar farm, which will contribute to the state's renewable energy goals. What are the expected economic and job benefits of the Elk Creek Solar project in Minnesota? The Elk Creek Solar project is expected to bring in $7.6 million in tax revenues over 20 years, providing a significant economic boost to Rock County, Minnesota. The construction phase of the project is estimated to create up to 225 jobs, providing employment opportunities for local residents and boosting the local economy. The development of the 160-MW solar park will contribute to Minnesota's renewable energy goals, helping the state transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. The project will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, leading to environmental and public health benefits for the community.

Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) commemorated the passage of a historic $80 million investment in solar + energy storage incentive programs by

emissions from power supply by 2050 was unanimously approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). Specifically, Minnesota Power's

has begun generating power from the first phase of its 710-MW solar complex in Minnesota, known as Sherco Phase 1, which features a 220-MW photovoltaic (PV) farm. This

lines, together with over 100 members of the public, U.S. senators from Minnesota Amy Klobuchar and also Tina Smith, state senators and regional media. Martin

as a solar garden. Situated in regions throughout the southerly half of Minnesota, they are made to generate sufficient power to power over 1,450 homes. " We

the area," said Carmine Iadarola, CEO of SolarGen. Currently, only 3% of Minnesota's electrical energy generation originates from solar. Of that generation, only

the firm stated. It likewise got a US$ 5.5 million grant from the State of Minnesota's Renewable Development Account, which funds jobs that increase the state's

as begin procedures in stages beginning in the initial quarter of 2022. The Minnesota project gain from a 25-year power purchase contract (PPA) with an "financial

favorable choice was provided with consentaneous assistance by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recently. The approval backs the USD-256-million