Xcel Energy seeks Minnesota regulatory approval
USA, Minnesota, Minneapolis: On 20 April, Xcel Energy filed with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission an application for a site permit.
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USA, Minnesota, Minneapolis: On 20 April, Xcel Energy filed with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission an application for a site permit.
The permit is planned for up to 460 MW Sherco Solar Project in Sherburne County, as well as for route permits for two 345 kV transmission lines to interconnect the solar project to the grid.
As noted in the filing, the West high-voltage transmission line (HVTL) is about 5.2 km (3.2 mi) long, and the East HVTL line is about 2.7 km (1.7 mi) long. Both lines would connect the solar project to the existing Sherburne County substation immediately south of the Xcel Sherburne County generating facility.
The company added that the solar project would partially replace energy production of the nearly 700 MW Sherco Generating Plant Unit 2, currently a coal-powered facility, which will cease operations in 2023.
The project represents a joint development between Xcel and National Grid Renewables Development, LLC, the filing noted, adding that the companies entered into a purchase and sale agreement (PSA) in mid-January, whereby NG Renewables will act as an authorized representative on behalf of Xcel. Earlier in April, Xcel submitted a petition with the commission to, among other things, initiate the process of seeking commission approval of the PSA with NG Renewables.
Xcel noted that the solar energy conversion facility with a 460 MW AC nameplate capacity would be located in Clear Lake and Becker townships in Sherburne County.
Source: T&D World