Minnesota Power pursues expedited review of $40M solar investment to aid economic recovery

As a means of offsetting heavy hits induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota Power has requested the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to expedite a review of its plans for a $40 million investment into regional solar energy.

Approximately 20 MW of solar arrays are on the line, all slated for northern Minnesota. The three projects would include a 9.6 MW array at Laskin Energy Center, a 10 MW array near Sylvan Hydro Station, and a 1.6 MW array off Riley Road in Duluth, Minnesota. All together, Minnesota Power believes these projects can create 36 local construction jobs, pump $16 million into the region’s 2021 gross regional product and increase local government revenues by around $55,000 in direct taxes while powering 4,000 homes.

“We believe Minnesota Power should play a strong role in the economic recovery of area communities from the COVID-19 pandemic,” ALLETE President and CEO Bethany Owen said.“These planned solar projects will support local construction jobs and boost the tax base of local economies. We are particularly pleased that we can use these projects to help us meet our objective of 50 percent renewable energy, and we are looking ahead to additional opportunities to promote economic development through renewable energy.”

The projects would push Minnesota Power closer to meeting the state’s Solar Energy Standard. Indirect benefits would also include the potential for regional manufacturers to produce the solar panels. When completed, these arrays would bring Minnesota Power’s solar energy portfolio to 30 MW.