The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved two solar projects with a combined capacity of 475 megawatts (MW), including the largest single-site solar installation ever authorized in the state. The projects, Northern Crescent and Iron Pine, are expected to significantly expand Minnesota’s renewable energy infrastructure over the next several years.
The Northern Crescent Solar project, developed by Primergy Energy, is a 150 MW solar facility paired with a 50 MWac battery energy storage system using lithium iron phosphate batteries. The project will be located in Faribault County on approximately 1,200 acres of privately-owned land. A short 300-foot, 161 kV transmission line will connect the facility to an existing Xcel Energy substation.
Primergy expects to begin construction in the second quarter of 2025 and reach commercial operation by the end of 2026. However, per the PUC’s requirements, the project must secure a power purchase agreement (PPA) before beginning construction. If a PPA is not secured within four years, the developer must return to the commission to provide an explanation.
The PUC indicated it may require developers of future solar projects to report annually on PPA progress. Commissioner John Tuma noted that regular check-ins could help ensure accountability and transparency as the state advances toward its clean energy goals.
The Iron Pine Solar project, developed by Boston-based Swift Energy, will provide 325 MW of solar capacity and span 2,296 acres in Pine County. It will interconnect through the Minnesota Power Arrowhead–Bear Creek 230 kV transmission line located east of the project site.
Swift Energy is currently marketing the project to potential buyers and has indicated it may sell the electricity via a PPA, a virtual PPA, or transfer the project entirely to a utility. The company estimates the project cost at $545 million, including $507 million for the solar installation and $38 million for the transmission line. Construction is targeted to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with commercial operation expected by the end of 2027.
