Xcel Energy requests proposals to replacing coal-fired King plant with 650 MW of clean energy
As part of a major clean energy transition push, Xcel Energy issued a request for proposals in Wisconsin last week, opening the door for developers to consider an approximately 650 MW renewable energy replacement for the coal-fired King plant.
The King plant operates along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, but is scheduled to retire in 2028. Xcel wants to reuse existing grid connections at the plant site for any future project, to reduce the amount of infrastructure investment needed and to provide quick benefit to existing customers. Given the timeframe, Xcel’s new request sought a project with commercial operation dates between 2027 and 2029.
While solar is the primary source sought for replacement, projects that combine solar with energy storage will also be considered.
“Adding solar along with projects that combine solar with energy storage strengthens our commitment to deliver carbon-free energy to customers in the states we serve,” Karl Hoesly, president of Xcel Energy-Wisconsin and Michigan, said. “It will play a vital role in our clean energy transition by reducing carbon emissions and will help our communities by creating jobs during and after construction.”
Approximately 135,000 homes could be serviced annually by the new generation on average, and by going green, it would help cut fuel costs and diversify Xcel’s overall portfolio. This work also fits into the company’s Upper Midwest Energy Plan, which seeks to draw more than 80 percent of customers’ electricity from carbon free sources by the end of the decade, while retiring all Xcel’s coal plants.
“By using existing grid connections, we’re able to provide customers with carbon-free energy in the most efficient and cost-effective way,” Chris Clark, president of Xcel Energy-Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota, said. “We’re excited to see developers’ proposals to use rapidly developing technology to help us lead the clean energy transition.”
Currently, Xcel seeks to reduce carbon emissions in the region 85 percent by 2030 – when compared to 2005 levels – and to eventually achieve 100 percent carbon-free electricity.
