The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved two large renewable energy projects – the Iron Pine Solar Project and the Northern Crescent Solar Project – that together add more than 475 megawatts (MW) of solar energy capacity to the state’s grid.
One project is one of the largest single-site solar installations approved, while the other will include a 50 MW battery energy storage system.
“These approvals represent a significant step forward in Minnesota’s clean energy transition,” said Commission Chair Katie Sieben. “By expanding our renewable energy portfolio and integrating vital battery storage, we are enhancing the stability and resilience of our electric grid while helping to meet the state’s ambitious energy and climate goals. These projects also bring important economic opportunities to the rural communities that host them.”
The Iron Pine Solar Project received a site permit for a 325 MW solar energy facility in Pine County, along with a route permit for a 1-mile, 230 kilovolt (kV) generation tie-line that will connect the project to the grid. The project represents one of the largest single-site solar installations approved in the state. The Iron Pine project was submitted by Iron Pine Solar Power, LLC (Iron Pine Solar), a wholly owned subsidiary of Swift Current Energy
The Northern Crescent Solar Project includes up to 150 MW of alternating current (MWac) solar generation and a 50 MWac battery energy storage system (BESS). The battery system will be housed in a 3.2-acre facility using lithium iron phosphate battery technology. The project will interconnect to the grid via a short 300-foot, 161 kV transmission line to an existing Xcel Energy substation. A final interconnection agreement is expected from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator in the second half of 2025. The Northern Crescent project was submitted by Primergy, doing business as Northern Crescent Solar, LLC.
Both projects will need to secure power purchase agreements (PPAs) before beginning construction, per the Minnesota PUC’s rules. Additionally, both projects have already underwent environmental reviews and public engagement processes.
