wiredInUSA April 2017

Energy boost

Xcel Energy will soon add seven new wind farms, a total of 1,550MW, in Minnesota, North and South Dakota and Iowa. The new wind portfolio is a combination of owned projects and power purchase agreements, and reflects an investment of $2.5 billion. “This investment in renewable energy keeps bills low for customers while giving them the clean energy they want, and helping us achieve 63 percent carbon- free energy by 2030,” said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota. “Wind energy is at historically low prices right now so we’re able to reduce emissions while securing long-term cost savings for our customers.”

The projects include Freeborn Wind Energy, a 200MW project located in Freeborn County, Minnesota, and Worth and Mitchell counties, Iowa, developed by Invenergy; Foxtail Wind, a 150MW project located in Dickey County, North Dakota, developed by NextEra Energy Resources; Blazing Star 1 and 2, both 200MW projects located in Lincoln County, Minnesota, developed by Geronimo Energy; two build-own-transfer projects totaling 400MW; and two power purchase agreements totaling 400MW.

The projects are expected to enter service by 2020.

wiredInUSA - April 2017

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