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."
-
A lifelong Crane Laker shows off the area and reflects on the community's history with Voyageurs National Park just before the Crane Lake Visitor Center opens. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEA man impersonating a police officer shot Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband in their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot multiple times. -
And: Brainerd senior Ty Nelson wins a second triple jump title, and Red Lake County will play for a baseball title Saturday.
-
Larissa Donovan/KAXEEntrepreneurs shaped downtown more than 100 years ago near the Lake Bemidji waterfront. Members of the Bemidji Heritage Preservation are committed to sharing their stories. -
Contributed/Frazee Hornet Baseball via FacebookRain made for an interesting end to the baseball season for many Class A teams Thursday. Grand Rapids lost in the 3A consolation championship. -
Chelsey Perkins/KAXEThree of the four Republicans voted in favor of rescinding funding already allocated for public media organizations through the CPB and four Democrats voted against. -
Nicole Neri/Minnesota ReformerAlthough education spending will increase, school districts will notice cuts to state aid for special education, school libraries and student supports like counselors and nurses. -
Contributed/Pequot Lakes High School via FacebookBrainerd senior Ty Nelson won another triple jump title Thursday, June 12, 2025, as Northern Minnesota 2A and 3A teams collectively won 88 medals at the state track and field meet. -
Plus: the Northland has nine more state champs in golf, track and field after state tournaments.
-
Contributed/Ely Wolves Track & Field via FacebookIn total, Northlanders earned 47 medals in Class 1A at the 2025 state track and field meet.
