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: Gov. Tim Walz authorized Beltrami County's request to use the state's disaster relief account; Anderson Brothers Construction in Brainerd can no longer bid on major government projects; and over $1 million in federal funds are earmarked for Northern Minnesota child care organizations. -
Contributed/Wesley Tingey via UnsplashAustin Claseman, 30, is charged in Beltrami County. He was a teacher and board member at the charter high school, Voyageurs Expeditionary School. -
And: 15-year-old girl raped by a stranger in International Falls, charges say; Crow Wing County appoints first new attorney in decades and first female in role.
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Contributed/DECC - Duluth Entertainment Convention Center via FacebookThe sessions in Silver Bay, Virginia and Duluth will gather input on the future direction for programming and investment at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe authorization allows Beltrami County to access the state's disaster assistance contingency account, which reimburses the county 75% of the costs to repair public infrastructure. -
Contributed/Crow Wing CountyAssistant County Attorney Kelsey Hopps will replace County Attorney Don Ryan when he retires in mid-September 2025, after nearly 31 years in the office. -
Contributed/MnDOTThe Aug. 20, 2025, open house will detail the planned reconstruction project slated for 2027. -
The Minnesota Department of Transportation estimated the westbound detour between Washington Avenue Southeast and Division Street will last four days. -
Contributed/duncan cumming via FlickrThe funding comes from a Minnesota Department of Agriculture grant that helps schools establish or maintain meat cutting and butchery training programs. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEFloodwood, Virginia and Two Harbors will use the Department of Employment and Economic Development funds to assess and clean up sites for private redevelopment.
