COHASSET — Construction on Itasca County’s Boswell solar energy project began following a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, July 24, near Cohasset.
Minnesota Power Chief Operating Officer Josh Skelton said travelers along Highway 6 can expect work crews and busier roads until the project’s completion in 2027.
“During the construction phases, you'll see the folks that are here working and constructing,” Skelton said. “You'll see more traffic. In the interim, we do our best to coordinate that and minimize that through the neighborhoods.”
Once completed, the Boswell Solar array is projected to add about 85 megawatts of power from 180,000 panels, according to Skelton. He added that Minnesota companies Hunt Electric and Lakehead Constructors will head up construction alongside local contractors.
“That's in addition to our Minnesota Power Team and those folks here at the Boswell Energy Center as well, always lending a hand,” he said.
The project site — which was approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, or PUC, in January — spans more than 1,300 acres in Cohasset, Deer River and on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe reservation.
According to the PUC, about 500 of those acres will be occupied by solar panels and other infrastructure. Skelton said zones of open land seeded with a pollinator-friendly grass mix will play an important role in the remaining acreage.
“Those other properties will remain in that kind of buffer natural state,” he said. “They’re not needed for energy production.”
Skelton was one of seven speakers who gave remarks during the ceremony. Cohasset Mayor Josh Casper, who also spoke at the event, emphasized the 70-year partnership between Minnesota Power and the city.
“The men and women who have worked here have done more than keep the lights on across Minnesota,” Casper said. “They've coached youth sports, volunteered in our organizations, supported local businesses, and raised families in our neighborhoods.”
State Sen. Keri Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, celebrated the project as a “significant investment in Northern Minnesota.”
Heintzeman also expressed her frustration with Minnesota’s Clean Electricity Standard, which requires state utilities to shift to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.
“Wind, solar, hydro, natural gas, coal, and nuclear all have a role to play in providing reliable, affordable energy for Minnesota families and businesses,” she said. “I would be less than honest if I didn't acknowledge that I have concerns about the carbon-free energy mandate passed under the Democrat trifecta in St. Paul.”
The Boswell solar plant is one of several solar projects undertaken by Minnesota Power in the last few years. It serves as part of the company’s mission to generate 300 megawatts of regional solar energy by 2030, per its Integrated Resource Plan, which was developed in 2025.
-
KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Boss Mama, Haley E Rydell, Steve Solkela, Mae Simpson, Sam Miltich, The Jimmys, Bruce Archer, Kelley Smith, Zarjafest and many more! -
MusicGet to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from On the River and After Dark host and volunteer, Diane Ott. -
Writer Camille Perri’s third novel “Social Animals” is a fun and witty story featuring some colorful canine and human characters. -
To kick off the summer member drive, KAXE Membership Coordinator Heather Johnson shares this message that real music really matters. -
State attempts to recover Camp House Fire costs; Crews deploy sprinklers in Superior National ForestAnd: Construction starts for Boswell Solar Project; and MDH will host public hearing for closure of clinic in Silver Bay
