Iron Pine Solar Project
325 MW capacity located in Pine County
Includes a 230 kV, one‑mile tie‑line to connect directly to the state grid
Among the largest single‑site solar installations in Minnesota
Developed by Iron Pine Solar Power, a Swift Current Energy subsidiary
Northern Crescent Solar Project
150 MW of AC solar generation
50 MW of battery energy storage using lithium iron phosphate on a 3.2‑acre site
A short 161 kV line will connect it to an existing Xcel Energy substation
Interconnection agreement anticipated from MISO in the second half of 2025
Developed by Primergy (Northern Crescent Solar, LLC) (Power Engineering)
These approvals support Minnesota’s goals for clean energy uptake, greater grid stability through storage, and rural economic development, as emphasised by PUC Chair Katie Sieben (Power Engineering).
Key milestones ahead for both projects:
Secure power purchase agreements (PPAs) as mandated by PUC rules
Already completed environmental assessments and public consultation (Power Engineering, Power Engineering)
Together, the facilities promise to significantly expand Minnesota’s renewable portfolio, add vital energy storage, and boost rural economies via infrastructure development.
Source: Power Engineering
