EDF Power Solutions says Byron Solar facility may not be operational until 2028

BYRON, Minn. — EDF Power Solutions is experiencing delays in bringing its 200-megawatt facility online due to setbacks with its last interconnection agreement with the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency and the Mid Continent Independent System Operator (MISO).

The project was initially slated for completion by the end of 2025, but the company says it won’t be able to break ground if it isn’t authorized for the full wattage it is planning for.

Karl Pierce, Senior Director of Development, says that the main issue is MISO is worried Byron’s local power grid won’t be able to handle the strain.

EDF Power Solutions applied for interconnection agreements with the MISO in 2021, aiming to ensure the local grid’s capacity to handle the new facility.

However, MISO has approved only 100 megawatts so far, postponing the company’s second application until further study is conducted.

Pierce says if the study finds that the project is okay to move forward the new facility could break ground this year.

“Our expectations are that we will be able to begin construction as soon as fall of 2026 this year and then complete by the middle of 2028. That way we’ll be commercial, we’ll be generating taxes and we’ll be ready to generate electricity,” Pierce said.

He says the company expects the $300 million project to employ 200 to 300 local workers to help build the facility and get it ready to open. 

If the study says improvements need to be made before it can begin he says it may have to wait another year as the EDF works with Dodge and Olmsted County to prepare local power infrastructure to handle the strain.