Minnesota Power investing $40M to triple solar energy portfolio

In an effort being touted as a means of shoring up the region’s pandemic-hit economy, Minnesota Power announced last week that it will invest $40 million into three solar projects, tripling its solar energy portfolio through the addition of 20 MW of renewable energy.

The three arrays will be placed in northern Minnesota if the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approves the plan. They will bring Minnesota Power’s solar energy portfolio to approximately 30 MW. All would utilize existing electrical infrastructure and begin most construction in 2021.

“We believe Minnesota Power can and must play a strong role in the economic recovery of the communities where we live and work,” Bethany Owen, ALLETE president and CEO, said. “Moving up the timetable of planned solar projects will boost the tax base of local economies, add solar panels from regional manufacturers when possible, and support local construction jobs. At the same time, we remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable power while meeting our plan for 50 percent renewable energy by 2021.”

If approved, the facilities would include efforts at the Laskin Energy Center in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota; the Sylvan Hydro Station near Brainerd, Minnesota; and a new site in Duluth, Minnesota.