Minnesota Power reaches 50 % renewable energy milestone
USA, Minnesota, Saint Paul: Minnesota Power has become the first Minnesota utility to deliver 50 % renewable energy to customers.
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USA, Minnesota, Saint Paul: Minnesota Power has become the first Minnesota utility to deliver 50 % renewable energy to customers.
The achievement highlights the success of Minnesota Power’s Energy Forward strategy to transition to cleaner energy sources while meeting customer expectations for reliable and affordable electricity. The company reached this milestone when the Nobles 2 wind project in southwestern Minnesota came online this month.
“We are committed to advancing a sustainable future of reliable, affordable, and increasingly lower-carbon energy for our customers and our communities and this is an important milestone in our clean energy transformation from relying almost completely on coal to delivering 50 % renewable energy, accomplished while keeping our residential rates the lowest in the state of Minnesota and improving the reliability of our system,” said Bethany Owen, ALLETE president and CEO.
With Nobles 2 operational, Minnesota Power’s wind portfolio has grown to approximately 87 MW of owned and contracted wind capacity. This is the second 2020 project to help the company reach 50 % renewable. The first was the Great Northern Transmission line, energised this past June. This 500 kV line delivers 250 MW of carbon-free hydropower from Manitoba Hydro to Minnesota Power customers. Power purchase agreements with Manitoba Hydro include a wind provision that allows Minnesota Power the flexibility to balance its intermittent wind energy in North Dakota with hydroelectric power that is available on demand.
Beyond this milestone, Minnesota Power is making additional plans to further transform its energy supply.
“Minnesota Power’s next biennial integrated resource plan is scheduled to be submitted to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in February,” said Julie Pierce, Minnesota Power vice president of strategy and planning. “That plan will outline scenarios for the thoughtful transition of our coal units at Boswell 3 and 4, the next steps for the transition to even more renewable energy, and more investments in the grid to enhance reliability, all while working to ensure affordability, the health of our communities, and opportunities for our employees.”
Source: T&D World