Minnesota Power (MP), an electricity utility in the state of Minnesota, US, seeks to procure 300 MW solar power generation capacity under a request for proposals (RFP) the US utility has launched with an aim to increase its solar portfolio by 10-fold.
A power supplier to 150,000 customers, MP says this RFP for regional solar energy supply is part of its EnergyForward strategy under which it aims to become a 100% carbon-free energy supplier by 2050.
Under the RFP, MP seeks cost-effective solar resources that are within its service territory with direct interconnections to its own transmission system. Preference will be accorded to projects in communities with generation resources impacted by the utility's decarbonization plans.
It will prefer projects on a build-own-transfer (BOT) basis, or can consider power purchase agreement (PPA) projects with a buyout provision after 7 years. In combination and/or in competition with submitted resource proposals, it may consider self-build resource alternatives as potential power supplies to meet its customers' solar resource needs.
Projects proposed should range within 10 MW AC to 200 MW AC capacity. Winning projects should come online between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2027.
"We're seeking projects that will create local construction jobs and tax base in communities, train people for the future and generate renewable energy for our customers. Getting this energy transformation right means building a truly sustainable future where everyone can thrive," said MP Chief Operating Officer Josh Skelton.
The call was launched on November 15, 2023 with the last date to submit bids being January 5, 2024. Details are available on MP's website.
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