In a world where environmental concerns are taking center stage, Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE Inc. (NYSE: ALE), affirms its commitment to a sustainable future. The company recently launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to acquire up to 300 megawatts of regional solar power, a significant step towards realizing its EnergyForward vision of 100% carbon-free energy.
EnergyForward strategy for carbon-free energy
This initiative comes on the heels of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s approval of Minnesota Power’s 2021 Integrated Resource Plan. The plan calls for the acquisition of up to 300 megawatts of regional solar production capacity. Indeed, this development will increase the company’s solar portfolio tenfold, offering its customers renewable energy essential to achieving the company’s and the state’s carbon-neutral goals in the coming decades.
Economic and social benefits of the energy transition
As part of its EnergyForward strategy, Minnesota Power is seeking cost-effective solar resources located within its service territory, with direct interconnections to the company’s transmission system. However, the company gives preference to projects located in communities impacted by its decarbonization plans. In addition, the tender aims to maximize the regional economic benefits of solar development, by favoring diverse bidders and requiring the use of local, unionized labor for construction and permanent staff, as well as the development of apprenticeship programs.
Diversified options for solar power supply
Josh Skelton, Director of Operations at Minnesota Power, underlines the importance of this initiative:
“As our three recent regional solar projects demonstrate, this tender reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for our communities during the clean energy transformation. We are looking for projects that will create local construction jobs and increase the tax base in communities, train people for the future and generate renewable energy for our customers. Achieving this energy transformation means building a truly sustainable future where everyone can prosper.”
In addition, Minnesota Power is considering several energy supply options to meet its customers’ solar resource needs, including build-own-transfer projects and power purchase agreements, as well as self-generated projects. Proposals will be accepted until January 5, 2024.
Minnesota Power’s initiative represents an important milestone in the transition to sustainable energy. Indeed, by significantly increasing its solar capacity and supporting local communities, the company illustrates a model of energy transformation that combines innovation, social responsibility and commitment to a carbon-free future.
