Minneapolis, Minnesota [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Xcel Energy announced that this month the company will achieve 1,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity on its Minnesota system. The milestone will be reached by year-end, when PPM Energy’s MinnDakota Wind Power project goes on-line.
The 150-MW development is located on the Minnesota-South Dakota border. With this announcement, Minnesota moves into third place nationally in wind power production, according to the American Wind Energy Association.
Xcel Energy began researching wind power in 1986 and in June the company announced plans to build and own a 100-MW wind farm near Austin, Minn.
“Xcel Energy is fortunate with the wind potential in our service territory,” said Richard Kelly President and Chief Operating Officer of Xcel Energy. “We will continue to develop wind resources throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.”
