Xcel Energy greenlights major power line project
With state approval, Xcel Energy will build a 280-km transmission line linking clean energy from southwest Minnesota to over 1 million homes across the Upper Midwest.
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USA, Minnesota: Xcel Energy has received a green light from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to move forward with a transformative transmission project. The Minnesota Energy Connection, spanning around 280 km (175 mi), will link renewable energy sources in southwest Minnesota to the power grid at the Sherco site in Becker, ultimately providing electricity for more than 1 million homes across the Upper Midwest.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2028 and is part of Xcel Energy’s broader vision to supply clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. “This transmission line strengthens our energy infrastructure, supports local economies, and allows us to continue leading the transition to clean energy,” said Ryan Long, President of Xcel Energy for Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
The line is designed to carry up to 4,000 MW of new wind and solar energy. It also lays the groundwork for a proposed natural gas-fired power plant in Lyon County to supply dependable backup energy.
Construction is set to begin in early 2026. Alongside the power line, Xcel Energy will invest in substations through 2031, generating millions in local lease payments and tax revenue for infrastructure like schools and roads.
Source: Patriot News
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