A proposed solar energy generation project north of Magnolia is doubling in size thanks to delays with the original plans for the Elk Creek Solar Farm.
National Grid Renewables (NGR) is reapplying for state permits and is now asking to expand from the proposed 80-megawatt to a 160-megawatt solar farm.
NGR originally received a certificate of need and a site permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in December of 2020.
“Due to significant delays to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) interconnection queue review process for the project, Elk Creek was not able to meet its original target commercial operation date of Dec. 31, 2021,” stated Marc Morandi, NGR’s solar permitting specialist.
Now complete, the review revealed NGR could expand its interconnection up to 160 MW of power generation. As a result, NGR reapplied to PUC to permit double the original request.
The PUC has not made a decision.
Original plans involved 976 acres in the sections of 27, 34 and 35 in Vienna Township. The expanded plans include an additional 500 acres in the same townships as originally planned plus land in Section 3 of Magnolia Township.
Supervisors in both townships previously supported the original project, as did the Rock County commissioners.
Both the Rock County Board and the Rock County Economic Development Authority recently sent letters to the PUC in support of NGR’s expansion plans.
“We believe this project will bring significant economic development and will have a long-term financial benefit to the area,” wrote Economic Authority Chairman David Riphagen.
“We believe the Elk Creek project represents cost-effective renewable energy generation, and we look forward to the project adding economic development to our region.”
The support letter pointed to the added full-time jobs and production tax payments to the county and the hosting townships as specific benefits.
Morandi indicated if the PUC approves the necessary permits this year, construction could begin in the spring of 2024 with completion by December 2025.