The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has approved two solar projects with a combined capacity of over 475 MW. The projects are the Iron Pine solar project and the Northern Crescent solar project. The Northern Crescent solar project will consist of a BESS system, which will be housed in a 3.2 acre facility using lithium iron phosphate battery technology.
The Iron Pine solar project received a site permit for a 325 MW solar energy facility in Pine County. It also received a route permit for a 1-mile, 230 kV generation tie-line that will connect the project to the grid. Furthermore, the Northern Crescent solar project includes up to 150 MW of alternating current solar generation and a 50 MWac BESS system. The project will be interconnected to the grid through a 300-foot, 161 kV transmission line to an existing Xcel Energy substation.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates the electricity, natural gas, and telephone service industries of Minnesota’s economy. It creates and maintains a regulatory environment to ensure safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates, which are consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies.
