Xcel proposes $3B in renewable projects to bolster economy dogged by pandemic

Xcel Energy would accelerate nearly $3 billion in spending, particularly on large renewable-energy projects, in response to calls from state utility regulators to jolt Minnesota's economy from its coronavirus-induced lethargy.

Xcel's proposal Wednesday calls for a new solar plant in Becker that would be at least four times larger than Minnesota's current largest solar array. Also, Xcel would speed up plans to "repower" four older wind farms with new turbines and other new equipment.

"We tried to put together a sizable proposal," said Christopher Clark, Xcel's president for Minnesota and the Dakotas. "The wind and solar are really the biggest pieces."

https://www.startribune.com/xcel-proposes-3b-in-renewable-projects-to-bolster-economy-dogged-by-pandemic/571328642/