Latest milestone advances transformation of the Sherco site into a leading clean energy hub
CLEAR LAKE, Minn., (July 21, 2026) — Xcel Energy announced the completion of Sherco Solar Phase 3, marking another major milestone in the company’s transformation of a retiring coal plant into a major renewable energy hub.
Located near the existing Sherco plant in Becker, Sherco Solar is the largest solar facility in Minnesota and one of the biggest in the Upper Midwest. With the first three phases online, the site now produces 710 megawatts of electricity powered by 1.7 million solar panels.
A proposed fourth phase would bring the Sherco Solar’s total generating capacity to 910 megawatts – capable of powering more than 190,000 homes – by 2029. The expansion will create an estimated 300 union construction jobs and $90 million in local economic benefits.
“Completing Sherco Solar Phase 3 is a significant step in our efforts to deliver the reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy our customers expect,” said Bria Shea, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. “This project demonstrates how we can build upon existing infrastructure and workforce expertise to meet growing energy needs, create economic opportunities for Minnesota communities and continue advancing our renewable energy transition.”
“As someone who grew up in this community and works at this site, it’s exciting to see the next chapter of Sherco taking shape,” said Luke Molus, senior operations manager for Xcel Energy’s solar and storage sites. “For decades, the Sherco plant has helped power our region, and today Sherco Solar is continuing that legacy by delivering reliable energy for customers and creating a new future for this site and the people who work here.”
Sherco Solar is a key component of Xcel Energy’s strategy to maintain reliability while expanding renewable energy resources and keeping customer bills as low as possible. The project also reinforces Becker’s longstanding role as an energy-producing community and highlights how existing power plant sites can support the next generation of energy infrastructure.
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.
We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.
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