(KNSI) — A new economic impact study completed by St. Cloud State University shows the proposed Benton Solar project in Benton County will deliver significant economic benefits for the county and the greater St. Cloud area.
Benton Solar is currently developing a 100-megawatt solar and 100-megawatt battery energy storage facility in Minden Township. A press release from SCSU says the facility represents an approximately $300 million investment in the community.
Broken down, the study shows estimated economic impacts of $139.7 million in labor income and $188.6 million in output around the St. Cloud area during the construction phase, with the creation of 579 jobs between labor, supply chains, and household spending. Construction is expected to begin in April 2026, pending approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, and is expected to be operational by the end of 2027.
Once operational, the project will support eight new jobs with a $6.4 million contribution to output, including about $710,000 in labor income annually.
“These results show that the Benton Solar project is more than a reliable-energy investment – it’s a catalyst for jobs and wages that will significantly strengthen Central Minnesota’s economy,” said Dr. King Banaian, lead investigator on the study and director of the Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement. “We are proud to work with Benton Solar to demonstrate the immense economic impact the project will have on Benton County and the surrounding area.”
The analysis was conducted using the IMPLAN 2023 model, and all figures were reported in 2025 dollars.
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