Xcel intends to add 750 MW of wind in Minnesota, N Dakota

US utility Xcel Energy (NYSE:XEL) on Tuesday said it is proposing to build four wind parks in Minnesota and North Dakota with a combined capacity of about 750 MW, as part of its plan to move away from coal.

The Minnesota projects include the 200-MW Freeborn Wind Energy facility in Freeborn County that was developed by Invenergy, as well as the Blazing Star 1 and Blazing Star 2 wind farms in Lincoln County, each of 200 MW, developed by Geronimo Energy.

Also, Xcel Energy plans to build the 150-MW Foxtail Wind park in Dickey County, North Dakota, that was developed by NextEra Energy Resources.

“The new wind portfolio delivers on our plan to more than double our renewable energy sources over the next 15 years, and reduces carbon emissions by 60 percent from 2005 levels,” said Chris Clark, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota.

In order to start construction, Xcel Energy first needs to secure the needed approvals from regulators. It expects to begin building works by mid-2017 and to complete the plants by 2020, thus qualifying for the 100% production tax credit (PTC).

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