(KNSI) – Xcel Energy is on pace to go carbon neutral faster than expected, thanks in part to solar projects at the Sherco Power Plant in Becker.
Under the company’s plan, carbon emissions would be reduced from their 2005 levels by 80% to 88% by 2030. That is also when the energy provider plans to close all its coal-fired plants, including the remaining generators at Sherco.
They’re adding 3,430 megawatts of wind energy by 2030, connecting to the Upper Midwest grid at the Sherco plant site in Becker using the proposed Minnesota Energy Connection transmission line. They will also add 600 megawatts of battery energy storage by 2030 and a 300-megawatt lithium-ion battery at the Sherco plant site, allowing the company to store low-cost wind and solar energy until it’s needed.
They will also extend the use of their two carbon-free nuclear plants at Prairie Island and Monticello through the early 2050s.
Xcel Energy was the first electric provider in the U.S. to set a goal of using 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.
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