Minnesota PUC approves two solar energy projects in western Minnesota

BIRD ISLAND, Minn. — The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Thursday, Aug. 7, issued site permits for two solar energy projects in western Minnesota, totaling up to 435 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity, according to a news release.

The PUC granted a site permit to Gopher State Solar for its project in Renville County , north of Bird Island in Kingman, Osceola and Bird Island townships.

The company has secured a 1,645-acre area and will place solar panels on 977 of those acres, as previously reported by the West Central Tribune. The project of up to 200 megawatts will use photovoltaic panels and connect to Great River Energy’s existing Panther Substation, according to the news release.

Contributed / Gopher State Solar

The company estimates it will cost $187.75 million to $242.5 million to develop, including construction and all of the associated engineering and permitting needs, according to the report by the West Central Tribune. It estimates the operation will generate $32 million in tax revenues over an expected 40-year life span.

A site permit was also approved for Coneflower Energy’s solar project of up to 235 megawatts in Custer Township in Lyon County. Coneflower has proposed two interconnection options — a new 345-kilovolt transmission line to a future Xcel Energy substation or a new switching station to connect to an existing 115-kilovolt transmission line, according to the news release.

Both projects are expected to be operational by late 2027.

Based on extensive community input and feedback from state and local agencies, the PUC directed the solar companies to undertake several key mitigation activities, according to the news release.

These requirements, which were a direct result of public engagement and consistent with site permits for other recent solar energy projects, include working with landowners to develop and implement visual screening to minimize aesthetic impacts, creating vegetation management plans for pollinator-friendly plants and employing local Minnesota workers.

“The feedback we received from local communities was critical to our decision-making process,” said Commissioner John Tuma in the news release. “We heard directly from landowners about their concerns, and as a result, the final permits require additional visual screening and landscaping. This is a great example of how engaging in the process helps us create a better result for everyone.”

These projects align with the PUC’s core mission of ensuring safe, reliable and sustainable utility services at just and reasonable rates, according to the news release.

By adding a combined 435 megawatts of solar capacity to the grid, these facilities will contribute to grid reliability and help the state meet its clean energy standards, according to the PUC. The use of renewable resources supports Minnesota’s transition to a carbon-free energy future, a key part of state energy policy.

Project information is available on the PUC’s website at puc.eip.mn.gov/solar.