Sponsored By
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
CLEAR LAKE — Xcel Energy on Tuesday, July 21, announced the completion of Sherco Solar Phase 3, marking a milestone in the company’s transformation of a retiring coal plant into a 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
A proposed fourth phase would bring Sherco Solar’s total generating capacity to 910 megawatts — capable of powering more than 190,000 homes, according to Xcel — by 2029. The expansion also would create an estimated 300 union construction jobs and $90 million in local economic benefits, according to information from the utility company.
“Completing Sherco Solar Phase 3 is a significant step in our efforts to deliver the reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy our customers expect,” Bria Shea, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota said in a statement. “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.”
Sherco Solar is an effort by Xcel to maintain reliability while expanding renewable energy resources and keeping costs down. Luke Molus, senior operations manager for Xcel Energy’s solar and storage sites, coincidentally grew up in the area.
“For decades, the Sherco plant has helped power our region, and today Sherco Solar is continuing that legacy,” Molus said in a statement.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
