NextEra Energy Resources LLC has decided to halt the development of a 100-megawatt solar project in Minnesota, as reported by the Austin Daily Herald. Despite this decision, the company intends to retain the land rights associated with the project, signaling potential future developments in the region.
In a statement to the Austin Daily Herald, spokesperson Naomi Morrison confirmed the withdrawal of the permit application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. While specific reasons for the decision were not disclosed, NextEra remains committed to fostering renewable energy growth in the state through alternative projects that promise economic benefits.
The Timberwolf photovoltaic (PV) project was originally slated to be situated near Taopi, within Mower County, Minnesota, at an estimated cost of approximately USD 200 million (EUR 185.6m). The proposed installation, encompassing 252,000 solar panels spread across 460 acres (186.2 ha) of land, was initially scheduled to commence construction in May of the following year, with completion anticipated by August 2026.
NextEra Energy Resources had submitted its final application to Minnesota regulators in October 2023, signaling the company's initial commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure within the state. Though the plans for the Timberwolf project have been shelved, NextEra's retention of the land rights suggests a continued interest in future renewable energy endeavors in Minnesota.
