Lillian VestThe Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved two renewable energy and battery storage projects to advance grid reliability.
The Iron Pine Solar Project and the Northern Crescent Solar Project will add more than 475 megawatts (MW) of solar energy capacity to the state’s grid, according to PUC officials. The Northern Crescent Solar Project will also include a 50 MW battery energy storage system, seeking to further strengthen grid reliability as Minnesota transitions to a cleaner renewable energy.
Both projects underwent human and environmental impact assessments and public engagement processes that informed the development, and the approvals reflect the PUC’s focus on ensuring Minnesota’s electric system is clean and reliable.
The Iron Pine Solar Project received a site permit for a 325 MW solar energy facility on over 1,500 acres within Kettle River Township in Pine County, according to initial project documents. The project also received a route permit for a 1-mile, 230 kilovolt (kV) generation tie-line and a new switchyard to connect the project to the existing Minnesota Power 230 kV Arrowhead-Bear Creek transmission line. The project represents one of the largest single-site solar installations approved in the state and seeks to deliver low-cost, cleaner power to Minnesota’s electric system.
The Northern Crescent Solar Project includes up to 150 MW of alternating current (MWac) solar generation and a 50 MWac battery energy storage system in Faribault County. The battery system will be housed in a 3.2-acre facility using lithium iron phosphate battery technology. The project will also interconnect to the grid with a short 300-foot, 161 kV transmission line to an existing Xcel Energy substation. According to PUC officials, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator will finalize an interconnection agreement later this year.
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