National Grid Renewables also announced a commitment of a total of $380,000 in charitable funding contributions through these projects.
Last week, Minnesota-based National Grid Renewables hosted a community event celebrating two new solar projects in Southern Minnesota: the 50 MW Louise Solar Project in Mower County and the 45 MW Fillmore County Solar Project. The Homegrown Minnesolar event brought together community members, landowners, customers, partners and local officials to celebrate and recognize the positive impact these projects have on local communities and residents.
“We are incredibly proud of our farmer-based roots that started right here in Minnesota,” said Blake Nixon, president of National Grid Renewables. “As a company headquartered in Minnesota, today is an exciting day. The Fillmore County and Louise Solar projects represent our deep commitment to stimulating economic vitality in communities across rural America in the form of new investments that fuel economic growth, tax revenues, jobs and charitable funding.”
Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy has an agreement to purchase 80 MW of energy from the Fillmore County and Louise solar projects to deliver to its customers throughout the Upper Midwest.
“Solar energy – combined with the industry-leading amounts of wind energy we are introducing to our system, the retirement of our coal-fired power stations and the continued operation of our carbon-free nuclear fleet – supports our vision to deliver 100% carbon-free energy. electricity to our customers,” said Ryan Long, president of Xcel Energy – Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. “At the same time, these solar installations will help us open new subscriptions in our popular Renewable*Connect program, which allows participating customers to attribute a greater share of their energy use to renewable sources and support the clean energy transition.”
In partnership with Renewing the Countryside, the event included a farmers market, showcasing local farmers and vendors including Squash Blossom Farm, Leafy Legacy Family Farm, Seven Songs Organic Farm, CannonBelles Cheese, Carlson Roasting, The Bee Shed, Simple Soaps for Simple Folks , Joe Mama BBQ sauce and Schmidt Farm. Products available at the market included a variety of jams, honey, chocolates and other delicious products produced by local makers.
Event attendees also had the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Louise Solar project, where guests could see and learn firsthand how a solar energy project is built. Both projects use First Solar Series 6+ Bifacial modules and are being built by Berry Construction.
Last week, National Grid Renewables also announced a commitment of a total of $380,000 in charitable funding contributions through the Fillmore and Louise projects. The planned contributions will be split between two education funds that support the Southland and LeRoy-Ostrander school districts. Together, Fillmore and Louise will contribute more than $30 million in direct economic impact over the company’s first twenty years of operation, including more than $4 million in new tax revenue that will be distributed to local townships and counties. An estimated 300 construction workers built the projects, and the projects will each employ 1 to 2 operations and maintenance team members.
News item from National Grid Renewables