Xcel Energy has completed the third phase of its Sherco Solar project in Becker, a major step in transforming a retiring coal plant into a renewable energy hub, according to a community announcement.
Located near the Sherco plant in Becker, Sherco Solar is the largest solar facility in Minnesota and among the biggest in the Upper Midwest. With the first three phases online, the site now produces 710 megawatts of electricity powered by 1.7 million solar panels.
A proposed fourth phase would increase the facility's total generating capacity to 910 megawatts, enough to power more than 190,000 homes, by 2029. The expansion is expected to create about 300 union construction jobs and $90 million in local economic benefits.
"Completing Sherco Solar Phase 3 is a significant step in our efforts to deliver the reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy our customers expect," Bria Shea, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, said. "This project demonstrates how we can build upon existing infrastructure and workforce expertise to meet growing energy needs, create economic opportunities for Minnesota communities and continue advancing our renewable energy transition."
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Luke Molus, senior operations manager for Xcel Energy's solar and storage sites, said the project is exciting for the community.
"For decades, the Sherco plant has helped power our region, and today Sherco Solar is continuing that legacy by delivering reliable energy for customers and creating a new future for this site and the people who work here," Molus said.
Sherco Solar is a key component of Xcel Energy's strategy to maintain reliability while expanding renewable energy resources and keeping customer bills as low as possible.
This story was created by reporter Charles Rankin, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Xcel Energy expands Becker, MN, solar project, now largest in state