Minnesota Power recently began construction on the 85 megawatt Boswell Solar project, located at the Boswell Energy Center site in Cohasset.
The Boswell Solar project sits on about 500 acres of company owned and leased land. When finished, it will consist of more than 178,00 solar modules/. It is expected to be online in mid 2027.
The facility is part of Minnesota Power’s EnergyForward strategy to add more carbon-free electricity to its system while making productive use of existing infrastructure. The project will use existing electric infrastructure at the Boswell Energy Center, adding new generation at a site that has long served homes, businesses and industries across northeastern Minnesota.
“At ALLETE, we call our strategy “Sustainability in Action.” For us, that means making real progress in ways that matter in people’s everyday lives,” Bethany Owen, chair, president and CEO of ALLETE, the parent company of Minnesota Power, said. “The transition to cleaner energy gives us the tremendous opportunity to strengthen local economies, create jobs, and build a more resilient energy system – all while reducing emissions. But success is measured not only by what we build – but how we build it. It is measured by whether people and communities like Cohasset are better off because of it.”
Boswell Solar also reflects Minnesota Power’s continued investment in an existing energy hub and host
community. The Boswell site has been part of the region’s energy story for decades, and the solar project shows the site will continue to play an important role as the energy system changes.
“Boswell has been the backbone of our energy system since our original groundbreaking in 1956 and first commercial operation in1958. Our teams and these assets have played a huge role in powering homes, schools, businesses and the region’s mining industry.,” said Josh Skelton, Minnesota Power chief operating officer. “And what today means to the next chapters is simple: Boswell will continue to play a critical role in northern Minnesota’s energy grid. This site has a strong future because it already has so much of what makes an energy site valuable — the location, the infrastructure, host community support, and the people and partnerships that bring our operations to life.”
The project also supports the state’s carbon-free electricity standard. Currently, nearly 60 percent of the electricity Minnesota Power delivers today is renewable. Boswell Solar is part of a larger effort to add up to 300 megawatts of regional solar generation. Boswell Solar will help the utility continue toward its goal of delivering more than 80 percent renewable energy by 2030 while working to meet Minnesota’s requirement for carbon-free electricity by 2040.
“The groundbreaking of Boswell Solar is a chance to celebrate the collaboration and hard work of Minnesota Power and stakeholders in bringing reliable, affordable power, good-paying jobs, and community benefits to the region,” Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Chair Katie Sieben said.
The project is expected to support construction activity and local economic benefits.
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