The US utility Xcel Energy has unveiled a clean energy plan for the Upper Midwest US States (Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota), in which the company notably plans to add 3.6 GW of wind and solar capacity in the region by 2030 and to extend the operation life of two nuclear power plants in Minnesota through to the early 2050s. The 1.1 GW Prairie Island nuclear plant would see the lifetime of its two units extended by 20 years to 2053 and 2054, while the 628 MW Monticello nuclear plant would see its lifetime extended by 10 years to 2050.
In addition, Xcel Energy plans to add more than 2.2 GW of always-available resources by 2030 to back up renewables and supply power during peak demand in summer and winter. The company also wants to add 600 MW of battery energy storage by 2030 as well as extend the life of the French Island refuse-derived fuel plant in Wisconsin to 2040.
Under this clean energy plan, Xcel expects carbon emissions to be reduced by 80% by 2030, and potentially by 88%. The scheme plans to unlock US$5.7bn in estimated tax credit savings from the US’ Inflation Reduction Act for renewable generation and energy storage additions.
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