Xcel Energy plans to build Minnesota Energy Connection line
The transmission line will link around 2000 MW of low-cost wind and solar resources in southwest Minnesota to the grid.
Image for illustration purposes.
USA, Minnesota: The transmission line will link around 2000 MW of low-cost wind and solar resources in southwest Minnesota to the grid.
Xcel Energy is proposing to build the Minnesota Energy Connection transmission line, linking 2000 MW of wind and solar resources in southwest Minnesota to the grid. The company will make the project cost-effective for customers by reusing existing grid connections at the Sherburne County Generating Plant (Sherco).
The company has also announced retirement of one of its three coal units at the plant, aiming to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity in Minnesota by 2040. It plans to retire Sherco’s remaining coal-fired units in 2026 and 2030.
Currently, Xcel is building a solar facility nearby, and the two-phased Sherco Solar project totals 460 MW. Site permit approval is pending for a 250 MW solar array. The combined 710 MW should generate enough electricity to power 150,000 homes each year on average and fully replace the capacity of the retired coal-fired Unit 2.
The company will also build a 10 MW, 100-hour battery storage facility at the site. The project received an award of up to $35 million from the U.S. DOE and a $20 million grant commitment from the Breakthrough Energy Catalyst fund. Sherco Unit 2 will become a synchronous condenser, a piece of equipment managing system stability as renewable energy increases, providing reliable electricity for customers.
While Xcel Energy has transitioned other Minnesota coal plants without layoffs, it expects to achieve it at the Sherco facility too. The investments at the Sherco plant site should provide economic benefits in Becker and the area, and the company is also working with the state and local communities to bring new jobs and investments to areas affected by coal plant retirements.
Source: T&D World
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