National Grid Renewables Powers Up, Two Solar Projects Now Live In Southern Minnesota

National Grid Renewables, based in Minnesota, has announced the start of operations for its Fillmore County Solar (Fillmore) and Louise Solar (Louise) projects. Located in Southern Minnesota within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market, these two projects will generate a total of 95 megawatts (MW) of clean, locally sourced solar power.

Xcel Energy has signed power purchase agreements for both the Fillmore and Louise projects. Known for its leadership in cutting carbon emissions while providing reliable and affordable energy to its wide service area, Xcel Energy has made a commitment to provide 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.

Blake Nixon, President and CEO of National Grid Renewables, stated “Our roots began and remain planted in Minnesota, so it’s meaningful to see these two projects come to life in our own backyard. We’ve partnered with Xcel Energy for over a decade, and we’re incredibly proud to be continuing our longstanding relationship with them to deliver clean, sustainable energy solutions to residents across the state of Minnesota.”

Ryan Long, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, said “As we transition our electric grid to fully carbon-free sources, we must also ensure it has the capacity to meet unprecedented increases in demand from a more electrified economy, driven by the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, data centers and more. The Fillmore and Louise installations bring us a step closer to that future, serving our customers both here and across the Upper Midwest with additional renewable energy.”

Last summer, National Grid Renewables celebrated the addition of new projects to their Midwest portfolio with a “Homegrown Minnesolar” event. The event brought together landowners, local community members, and project partners to discuss the positive impact these projects will have on both local and state communities.

The Fillmore and Louise projects were built by Berry Construction Company, Inc., with 300 workers involved in the construction. Over the next 20 years, these projects are expected to generate over $30 million in direct economic benefits, including more than $4 million in new tax revenue for local townships and counties. Additionally, $380,000 will be donated to the Southland and LeRoy-Ostrander school districts to support education.

Beyond the economic impact, the Fillmore and Louise projects will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 2 million metric tons over the next 20 years—equivalent to taking approximately 568,000 cars off the road for a year. They will also provide enough clean energy to power 497,000 homes during that period.