Xcel Energy has taken over development of the 200MW Blazing Star wind farm in southwest Minnesota from Geronimo Energy.
Geronimo Energy carried out initial project development, while Xcel will now to build, own and operate Blazing Star.
Construction of the project in Lincoln County, near the South Dakota border, will take place this year and next. Mortenson Construction will undertake the work.
About 200 people will be employed during construction with up to 15 full-time jobs once the wind farm is operational. Blazing Star will connect to the CapX2020 transmission lines.
Xcel Energy-Minnesota president Chris Clark said: “Our customers want low-cost clean energy, and building projects like Blazing Star will help keep bills low while reducing carbon emissions.
“Blazing Star Wind will provide value to landowners, the local community and our customers who use the electricity it provides.”
The project is expected to generate $32m in landowner payments over the next 25 years and more than $20m in local taxes to support communities and infrastructure needs.
Image: Xcel Energy
Xcel blazes Minnesota trail
By EBS