Allete Clean Energy, a subsidiary of Allete Inc. will repower and then sell the Northern Wind site, consisting of two farms in Minnesota, to Xcel Energy, the company announced this Tuesday.
Firstly, the repowering activities will consist in the replacement of the site’s wind turbines with new ones. Allete will provide the new equipment and install them in both Chanarambie and Viking wind farms in southwest Minnesota.
Secondly, the projects will be fully repowered by 2022, and it will have a total capacity of 120 megawatts. Then, it will be sold to Xcel Energy. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission requested the projects so it could help the state’s economy after the covid-19 pandemic.
Thirdly, the repowering project intends to reduce the costs associated with the energy produced at the site, as it will produce 10% more energy with the same wind speeds. Consequently, saving money for customers and pushing Xcel Energy on its plan to provide 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.
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Repower projects, part of growth strategy from Allete
In addition, the sale and redevelopment of the Northern Wind site to Xcel is still subject to regulatory approval; however, the company intends to file the request by mid-February.
On the other hand, this is not the first refurbishing project awarded to Allete; recently, the company completed the refurbishment of Lake Benton I wind site in southwest Minnesota, which sells energy to Xcel Energy under a long-term power purchase agreement.
“This project is the latest example of our strategy in action to advance sustainable energy solutions, while also investing in local communities.” Said Allete’s President, Allan S. Rudeck Jr. “It is a four-part winner that will deliver more clean energy to decarbonize the nation’s energy supply; also contributing to more affordable electric rates for customers, and spur local employment and economic activity.”
Moreover, Chris Clark, president of Xcel Energy for the region, said: “repowering older wind sites with new technology will save customers money; will create more renewable energy; it will also reduce carbon emissions; in conclusion, it will move us closer to achieving our vision to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity to our customers.”
