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by DENISE MARTIN

Things are silent for now regarding the solar battery project proposed near the Xcel Substation, as an environmental assessment is getting underway.  The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission announced the environmental assessment is due sometime in October 2025 at which time public meetings will be convened.

The battery storage facility permit is sought by DESRI LLC  as a complement to  acres of solar panels known as North Star—already operating in  the Kost Trail area.  The set of 10 batteries (initial phase) will be able to provide power to supplement the midwest electric grid, through the Xcel substation nearby. 

The environmental assessment will only review the site east of County Road 14 that is up for state permit approval. There are no alternative locations requested or recommended.  Because storage will involve more than 10 megawatts the permit is mandated.

A company spokesperson explained (Press story June 5) that the project should be operational by 2027.

The public comment period now ended, generated two submittals and both were supportive of the project. One entry from a local union official suggested the project utilize union  labor to whatever extent possible. The other citizen comment included a property survey of the surrounding parcel, from a neighboring property owner who supports the battery storage facility. He also remarked that the applicant should be commended for working with him in a productive fashion.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends to the utilities commission that the fencing around the battery facility be 10 feet, not the planned six feet tall, to discourage deer.  Barbed wire should not be allowed. The project must follow guidance for wildlife impact mitigation and use an accepted vegetation management plan, the DNR concluded in its comments.

The environmental assessment will develop cost projections for the battery complex and show the grid connection and address regulatory framework.  Details will become available when EA public hearings are put on the calendar.

Certain staff for Minnesota Commerce Department and Public Utilities Facilities permitting were consolidated as the result of legislation enacted last session, in an effort to, as lawmakers put it, “streamline” the process of review and analysis for permits.  This North Star battery storage application was submitted right on the cusp of this transition.  

You can follow the Public Utilities permit documents and track the permit on the MN PUC website— the e docket number is 25-123.

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