Xcel Adds Third Proposed Solar Array To Sherco Project

(KNSI) – Xcel Energy presents Monday to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on a plan that would expand the new solar project proposed for the Sherco Plant in Becker.

The utility says it wants to add a third array, capable of producing 250 megawatts of power. That would be in addition to the 460-megawatt capacity it has already committed to. Xcel is also working on the Minnesota Energy Connection transmission line, which links Becker with as much as 2,000 megawatts of renewable power between Duluth and southwest Minnesota.

The combined 710 megawatts of potential solar power would be enough to meet the needs of 150,000 homes. Xcel says it will be applying for federal tax credits that should bring down the cost of construction, and reduce the amount customers are on the hook for.

Xcel President Chris Clark says, “These solar projects continue our leadership in providing carbon-free energy to customers in the states we serve.”

The coal-powered generators at Sherco will be decommissioned, starting with Unit 2 this year. Xcel hopes to retire all of its coal plants by 2030.

The projects would mean new temporary jobs. Xcel has already said that a solar farm would not need a lot of employees for operations like Sherco’s coal facility does now. The current estimate is for 395 construction jobs and 18 ongoing supervisory and maintenance jobs.

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