Xcel Energy Releases RfP For 500 MW Solar Power Generation

U.S. based Renewable Energy Provider, Xcel Energy has released a Request for Proposals (RfP) for the generation of approximately 500 MW of solar power near its Sherburne County (Sherco) Generating Station in Becker, Minnesota.

The company serves approximately 3.7 million electricity and 2.1 million natural gas customers across parts of eight Midwestern and Western states, will accept the proposals providing the opportunity projects of at least 75 MW that can interconnect to the transmission infrastructure at the Sherco site.

All the interested bidders can submit their final proposals by February 2, 2021. While the questions raised by the bidders can be submitted by January 15, 2021. Bid evaluation and selection is scheduled for February 22, while the negotiation of contracts is due to be completed by March 15, 2021.

Interestingly, the company says that all of its solar parks should be switched on before December 31, 2023. Additionally, Xcel Energy has a plan of providing 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050 and 80 percent less carbon by 2030.

Although, serving customers with 100% carbon-free electricity will require technologies not yet commercially available. Even though its carbon-free aspiration is decades away, the company is beginning work now with stakeholders to help develop these technologies, as well as the policies and support, that will make this aspiration achievable.

Earlier in December 2020, Xcel Energy Inc. had built the 522-MW Sagamore Wind Plant, switching on its 240 turbines in the state of New Mexico. As the company said, more than USD 900 million has been invested in the wind plant which will be operational before the end of December 2020.

While back in June the company had announced its proposal for one of the largest packages of energy investments in Minnesota’s history, as part of its response to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Department of Commerce request for energy companies to help with job growth and getting the economy on track.