During its July 2025 session, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved two landmark solar projects totaling 475 MW, marking a major milestone in the state’s renewable energy transition. Primergy Energy’s Northern Crescent Solar Project will feature 150 MW of solar generation paired with a 50 MW battery storage system that uses lithium iron phosphate batteries for enhanced safety and longevity. Spanning about 1,200 acres in Faribault County, the project plans to connect through a 300-foot, 161 kV transmission line to an existing Xcel Energy substation. Primergy expects to break ground in the second quarter of 2025 and reach full commercial operation by late 2026, once it secures final interconnection approval from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO).
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Swift Energy’s Iron Pine Solar Project
Meanwhile, the Iron Pine Solar Project, owned by Swift Energy, will become the largest of the two developments, with 325 MW of capacity installed across 2,296 acres in Pine County. This ambitious project will connect to the Minnesota Power Arrowhead–Bear Creek 230 kV transmission line and is estimated to cost $545 million, which includes $38 million allocated for the gen-tie infrastructure. Swift Energy aims to begin construction by mid-2026 and anticipates reaching commercial operation by the end of 2027. As part of its strategy, Swift is marketing the project to potential buyers and is considering a traditional power purchase agreement, a virtual PPA, or a full project sale to a utility partner.
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Growing Demand for Renewable Energy
These approvals highlight Minnesota’s urgent need for more renewable energy as electricity demand continues to outpace in-state generation. In addition, under state law, 55% of electricity sold to Minnesota customers must come from renewable sources. This will ramp up to 80% carbon-free energy by 2030, 90% by 2035, and 100% by 2040. Although solar accounted for just under 5% of Minnesota’s electricity mix at the start of 2025, projects like Northern Crescent and Iron Pine are expected to significantly expand capacity. Currently, Xcel Energy’s Sherco Solar holds the title of the largest solar project in operation at 220 MW. Additional phases are, however, under construction will eventually raise its capacity to 710 MW.
A Symbol of Clean Energy Progress
Beyond their generating potential, these two projects tell a broader story about Minnesota’s evolution into a clean energy leader. Landowners in Faribault and Pine counties will gain steady lease income as solar arrays transform their farmland into renewable energy hubs. The projects will also inject new tax revenue into local budgets and create hundreds of construction and maintenance jobs. From battery storage innovations to rigorous environmental assessments, Northern Crescent and Iron Pine show how renewable energy can coexist with rural communities and support the state’s climate goals. Furthermore, as Minnesota accelerates toward a carbon-free future, these projects stand out as symbols of innovation, cooperation, and a shared commitment to sustainability.
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Project Overview
Total Combined Capacity: 475 MW
The Minnesota PUC approved two large-scale solar farms: Northern Crescent (150 MW) with 50 MW battery storage and Iron Pine (325 MW)
Battery Storage Integration: Northern Crescent includes a 50 MW lithium iron phosphate battery system housed in a 3.2-acre facility, adding valuable grid resilience
Project Footprints & Grid Connections: Northern Crescent spans 1,200 acres and ties into Xcel Energy via a 300-foot, 161 kV line.
Project scope: Iron Pine covers 2,296 acres with a 1-mile, 230 kV gen-tie to Minnesota Power’s Arrowhead–Bear Creek line
Construction Timeline: Northern Crescent begins Q2 2025, operational by late 2026 (pending MISO interconnection). Iron Pine: Begins Q2 2026, operational by end 2027
Budget Estimates: Iron Pine is estimated at $545 million: $507 million for solar arrays + $38 million for the transmission line
Regulatory Requirements & Oversight: Both projects cleared thorough environmental reviews and public hearings
