ALLETE utility division Minnesota Power has revealed a set of proposals to be made under its EnergyForward strategy that seeks to ensure safe energy supply for the customers and the region.
Set to be submitted in a filing with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) in the US, the proposals will enable Minnesota Power to generate 44% of its energy from renewable resources by 2025, upon approval.
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The proposals include the addition of 250MW of wind power capacity, 10MW of solar power and 250MW of combined-cycle natural gas generation capacity to the Minnesota Power portfolio.
The new resources are expected to increase the company’s existing wind portfolio of 620MW and will double its solar generationcapability.
Minnesota Power Regulated Operations president Brad Oachs said: “For the past four years, EnergyForward has been exceeding expectations for how an energy company can transform the way it produces and delivers energy.
“We look forward to working with our customers and regulators to continue down the path toward a safe, reliable, cleaner and affordable energy future.”
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By GlobalDataFor its proposed natural gas projects, Minnesota Power is planning to form a joint ownership structure with Dairyland Power Cooperative to build a 525MW to 550MW combined-cycle natural gas power plant in Superior, Wisconsin, US.
The company is also planning to enter intoa 20-year purchase power agreement (PPA) with power producer Tenaska for its proposed 250MW wind energy.
In order tofulfil Minnesota’s solar requirements, the company is further proposing to include 10MW of solar power by 2020 through a 25-year PPA with Cypress Creek Renewables.
The company, which has already achieved a 25% renewable energy mix, expects to reduce carbon emissions on its system by about 40% by 2030.
After receiving input from stakeholders and the public, Minnesota Power is expected to prepare a final determination on its new proposals in the second half of next year.
