Xcel Doubling Down on Battery Storage Technology At Sherco Plant

(KNSI) – Xcel Energy has announced a significant expansion to its battery storage plans at the Sherco Generating Plant when it transitions into a solar energy hub as coal power goes offline later this decade.

The utility had previously announced 300 megawatts of battery storage to help even out the supply from renewable sources, whether on-site solar or wind energy brought to central Minnesota via transmission lines. Now the plan is for 600 megawatts of storage that can collect energy when it is cheap to produce and deliver during times of high demand.

Xcel also wants to add 135.5 megawatts of battery storage at the Blue Lake facility in Shakopee. Sherco would gain a 200-megawatt solar array on top of the battery expansion. The plan was presented to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on October 31st.

In a press release, Xcel estimates that the projects will create 150 jobs during construction and generate $200 million in property tax payments to local governments.

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