Minnesota's solar energy outlook took a big step forward in mid-November with a new project coming online, bringing the conversation back into focus about the state's carbon-free electricity goal.
Billed as one of the nation's largest solar operations, Xcel Energy said phase one of its Sherco facility is now delivering power to customers around the upper Midwest. Officials said it is generating more than 220 megawatts of low-cost solar power and is expected to top 700 megawatts once the other two phases are complete.
Bria Shea, regional vice president of regulatory planning and policy for Xcel Energy, said the facility complements the company's long-standing efforts to build up wind energy capacity.
"We've made a lot of progress already but the Sherco solar project will certainly help us go even further," Shea explained.
Under Minnesota law, regional utilities are required to produce 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Shea pointed out Xcel is at 65% and the company feels confident about meeting the goal.
The state as a whole is at 54% and experts said with some urgency, closing the remaining gap is within reach. However, some advocates noted the process has left the door open for sources which are not truly carbon-free.
Jessica Hellmann, executive director of the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment, is among those who feel the state is on the right path for emission reductions in the power sector. She said a diverse energy portfolio will still be needed, along with smart management of cleaner sources. Hellman sees carbon sequestration playing a role in this balancing act.
"There's some cool science that's being done on that topic right now," Hellmann contended. "Balancing of emissions and sequestration for a small percentage of our portfolio is most definitely doable."
In the end though, Hellmann stressed sources like wind and solar need to be the top priority. In some cases, taxpayers and ratepayers are asked to help pay for these investments. But she pointed out the technologies are becoming cheaper and there will be a payoff when the connection between fossil fuels and climate change is factored in.
"Smaller climate change, smaller damages, smaller costs to manage that," Hellmann emphasized, as opposed to "larger climate change, more damage, more costs."
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Plus: The Bagley City Council is deliberating whether to expand its police department or disband it to contract with the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office; 3 Northlanders medaled at the state swimming and diving meet; and Northland football teams end season after semifinal losses. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThrough a partnership with the Nature Conservancy, Endazhi-Nitaawiging, Red Lake's first charter school, celebrated the arrival of its new pontoon with family boat rides and hot chocolate on Nov. 12, 2025. -
Contributed/City of HermantownMinneapolis-based Mortenson Development wrote in a letter that it wishes to host a public open house before proceeding. -
Contributed/Two Harbors Agates Swim and DivePark Rapids' Avery Schueller placed third in the 50 freestyle and fifth in the 100 freestyle, and Two Harbors' Bella Imholte ended seventh in the 200 freestyle. -
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Contributed/Canva Pro graphicThe incident near Onigum Road NW, northeast of Walker, is under investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. -
Red Lake Nation's charter school, Endazhi-Nitaawiging, recently partnered with the Nature Conservancy for a new pontoon, with a few school families braving cool temperatures to celebrate its arrival on Nov. 12, 2025.
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Plus: Local leaders sign the Civic Pledge for a Stronger Minnesota.
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Contributed/Chelsey PerkinsFrom sporting events to first days of school, annual festivals to spontaneous gatherings, moments of triumph or devastating tragedies, Kohls documented it as part of the first draft of history. -
Megan Buffington/KAXECurrent and former state legislators, city councilors and business and other community leaders signed the Civic Pledge for a Stronger Minnesota in Grand Rapids.
