The article discusses the transition from coal power plants to cleaner energy solutions at the Sherco Energy Hub in Minnesota, where Xcel Energy is replacing coal with renewable energy sources. Xcel plans to retire all remaining coal power plants in the region and focus on leveraging renewable energy assets, including a large solar array and significant battery energy storage system. The company intends to offset costs for battery and solar projects, with construction on the battery storage projects starting in 2026. Xcel sees energy storage as a critical part of Minnesota's energy future, allowing for a diversified energy mix that excludes coal. Additionally, Xcel has incorporated solar grazing at the Sherco Energy Hub, with nearly 2,000 sheep helping to maintain the PV array and provide environmental benefits.
Tag: Minnesota
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Solar microgrid brings energy security to White Earth Nation
The White Earth Nation's Pine Point community in Minnesota is advancing a community-owned resilience project with a 500-kilowatt solar array and battery storage to provide energy security and emergency backup power. Despite facing obstacles, including frozen federal grant programs, the project received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's ES4SE Program and the Minnesota Solar for Schools program. Led by climate justice developer 10Power, the project aims to provide clean, reliable power while also incorporating an Ojibwe-language educational program and job fair. The Pine Point Resilience Hub is expected to come online in early 2026, serving as a model for community-owned energy in northern Minnesota and connecting energy technology with cultural identity and language revitalization.
https://generation180.org/blog/solar-microgrid-brings-energy-security-to-white-earth-nation/