Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE Inc., has recently revealed its plan to construct two significant solar projects in northern Minnesota. These projects, the Regal Solar project in Royalton and the Boswell Solar project in Cohasset, were selected from competitive bids in the 2023 solar request for proposals. The projects were chosen based on their cost-effectiveness for Minnesota Power customers, as confirmed by an independent evaluator overseeing the process.
The Boswell Solar project is set to have a capacity of 85 megawatts, utilizing about 180,000 bifacial solar modules on approximately 600 acres, with part of the land owned by Minnesota Power. This project will make use of existing electric infrastructure at the Boswell Energy Center, requiring minimal additional infrastructure to connect to the grid. It is anticipated to be operational by mid-2027.
On the other hand, the Regal Solar project will have a capacity of 119.5 megawatts, featuring around 255,000 bifacial solar modules spread across about 800 acres of land. This project will link to the regional electric grid through a new 3.5-mile collector line and substation, with an expected operational timeline of mid-2027.
These solar projects are crucial steps taken by Minnesota Power to fulfill the up-to-300 megawatts of regional solar generation outlined in their Integrated Resource Plan, which was approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in 2023. The aim is to support the transition towards providing more than 80% renewable energy by 2030 and meeting the state’s requirement for carbon-free energy by 2040.
ALLETE Vice President and Minnesota Power Chief Operating Officer, Josh Skelton, highlighted the significance of these projects in aligning with ALLETE’s sustainability strategy. These initiatives will not only create local jobs and produce renewable energy but also prioritize local labor, diverse suppliers, and apprenticeships to cultivate a skilled renewable energy workforce for the future.
However, the construction of these projects is contingent upon receiving regulatory approvals from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and other relevant authorities. Minnesota Power serves a vast area in northeastern Minnesota, catering to 150,000 customers, 14 municipalities, and several major industrial clients.
ALLETE Inc., the parent company of Minnesota Power, is an energy company based in Duluth, Minnesota. Apart from its electric utilities, ALLETE owns several other energy-related businesses across different locations in the United States. The company is committed to sustainability, as evidenced by its carbon emissions reporting based on the GHG Protocol and detailed in ALLETE’s Corporate Sustainability Report.
In conclusion, the implementation of these solar projects marks a significant stride towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Minnesota Power. By investing in renewable energy sources and supporting local communities, the company is actively contributing to the state’s environmental goals and paving the way for a more sustainable energy landscape.